Diabetes Care and Management: How Your Hospital Helps Prevent Complications

Have you recently been diagnosed with diabetes, have been managing it for a long time, or simply want to protect yourself from developing it in the future? Whatever brought you here, this blog is for you. And if you're looking for expert guidance, consulting a Diabetes specialist can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively.

First, it’s important to understand what diabetes is.

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease. It happens when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal. This might seem a common disease; if left untreated, it can affect your eyesight, kidneys, nerves, and heart. That’s why being proactive is so important to slow down or prevent these complications.

Key Takeaway:

India is currently facing a diabetes challenge on a significant scale:

• Over 101 million adults in India are living with diabetes, according to recent reports from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• The prevalence of diabetes in urban areas is around 15–17%, with rural areas seeing a rapid rise.
• India has the second-highest number of people with diabetes in the world after China.
• Every year, around 2 million new cases are diagnosed across the country.

Complications associated with diabetes put a significant strain on the healthcare system – one of the most serious is diabetic foot ulcers, which result in more than 25,000 amputations each year.

By now, you can see why being proactive in managing diabetes is so important.

The Importance of Proactive Diabetes Care

If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important for you to take proactive steps toward managing it. Proactive diabetes care refers to taking regular, planned steps to keep your blood sugar under control. Why is this so important?

Because diabetes is a silent condition. You might feel perfectly fine even when your blood sugar levels are damaging your body slowly. Without symptoms, it’s easy to overlook small changes that could lead to serious problems later on.

When you take control early with a good diabetes care plan, you can:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death for people with diabetes.
• Protect your eyesight by detecting and treating diabetic retinopathy before it worsens.
• Keep your kidneys healthy through regular screening and timely management.
• Prevent nerve damage that can cause pain, numbness, and loss of sensation—especially in your feet.
• Avoid foot infections and ulcers by adopting proper foot care habits and getting early treatment if issues arise.

Proactive care isn’t only about medical treatments. It also involves educating yourself about your condition, making healthy lifestyle changes, and having a supportive healthcare team guiding you every step of the way.

The Department of Endocrinology at CK Birla Hospital (CMRI), Kolkata, is equipped with an expert diabetes care team that works closely with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs. This plan includes:

• Regular check-ups
• Screening tests
• Nutritional advice
• exercise recommendations
• Guidance on medications.

By following this plan and staying engaged with your health, you can live well with diabetes and significantly reduce the chances of complications.

Understanding Potential Diabetes Complications

When you hear the word “diabetes”, you might immediately think about managing blood sugar levels. But it’s important to understand that diabetes can affect much more than just your blood sugar. Over time, if not managed carefully, diabetes can lead to complications that impact various parts of your body—and these complications can seriously affect your quality of life.

Here are some of the most common complications that can arise:

• Eye Problems (Diabetes and Eye Care): High blood sugar can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This condition can cause vision loss or even blindness if left untreated. That’s why regular eye exams are crucial.
• Kidney Damage: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. When your kidneys are affected, waste builds up in your body, which can lead to serious health issues. Early detection and management can protect your kidneys.
• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Excess sugar can injure nerves throughout your body, often starting in the feet and hands. This can cause numbness, tingling, or pain. Nerve damage can also affect digestion and heart function.
• Foot Problems: Because of nerve damage and poor circulation, foot injuries may go unnoticed and heal slowly, increasing the risk of infections and ulcers. In severe cases, this can lead to amputations. This is why a diabetic foot care plan and foot care for diabetic patients are vital parts of diabetes management.
• Heart Disease and Stroke: People with diabetes have a higher risk of heart problems and stroke. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can help reduce these risks.

The good news? Most of these complications develop slowly and can be prevented or delayed with proper care. Our healthcare team will help you keep track of your health through regular screenings and tests. They’ll also provide you with health education, including health education on diabetic foot care, to empower you in managing your condition confidently.

10 Ways to Avoid Diabetes Complications

Here are 10 practical steps that the CK Birla Hospital, CMRI Kolkata team will encourage you to follow as part of your diabetes care plan:

• Follow Your Diabetes Care Plan
  Your personalised diabetes care plan is designed specifically for you. It includes medication, diet, exercise, and regular check-ups. Sticking to this plan helps keep your blood sugar stable and reduces risks.
• Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels in Check
  Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels as advised. Consistently high or low blood sugar can cause damage, so maintaining balance is key.
• Eat a Balanced, Healthy Diet
  Focus on whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit sugary and processed foods. Our nutritionist can help you create a meal plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences.
• Stay Active
  Physical activity helps control blood sugar and supports heart health. Even a daily walk or light exercise can make a big difference.
• Take Care of Your Feet
  Foot problems are common but preventable. Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or redness. Follow a diabetic foot care plan and never ignore foot pain or injuries. Your healthcare team can guide you on proper foot care and recommend suitable footwear.
• Attend Regular Health Check-ups
  Regular visits at CK Birla Hospital, Kolkata, for blood tests, eye exams, and kidney function tests catch early signs of complications. Early detection means early treatment.
• Manage Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
  High blood pressure and cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Medication, diet, and exercise can help keep these under control.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
  Smoking and excessive alcohol can worsen diabetes complications. Quitting smoking and drinking moderately improves your overall health.
• Stay Informed and Ask Questions
  Understanding your condition empowers you to make better decisions. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare providers about anything you’re unsure of.
• Look After Your Mental Health
  Living with diabetes can be stressful. Talk to your doctor or counsellor if you feel overwhelmed or anxious. Emotional wellbeing is an important part of diabetes care.

Final Thoughts

Managing diabetes takes effort, but with the right care and support from our hospital, you can prevent complications and live well. Stick to your personalised plan, stay informed, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your health matters, and you’re not alone on this journey.

FAQs

What are the 4 stages of diabetes?

The stages include insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and diabetes with complications.

How to control sugar levels?

Eat balanced meals, stay active, take prescribed medication, and monitor blood sugar regularly.

What is HbA1C?

HbA1C is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.

What is a diabetes diet?

A diabetes diet focuses on whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and limited added sugars or refined carbs.

What are 5 signs your blood sugar is too high?

Frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds.