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Outsmarting Diabetes: A Plan for a Healthier Life

While diabetes has no cure, that doesn't mean it can't be outsmarted. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes can help individuals take control of their health and manage diabetes successfully.

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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025

Diabetes is outsmarted by a smart approach to daily habits and choices. Individuals can have control over their condition and their quality of life with healthy eating, being active and developing regular routines. Following these little steps can help individuals balance blood sugar and reduce the risk of complications in the long run.

This blog aims to outline how diabetes can be managed while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more.

Understanding Diabetes & Its Types

Diabetes is an incurable condition characterised by elevated blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin.  The main types of diabetes are:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune condition where the body produces little or no insulin. Children and young adults are often diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: It is a condition where the body doesn't use insulin properly, often associated with being overweight or obesity and a family history of the disease. It can develop at any age. 

  • Gestational Diabetes: It develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth.

Causal and Risk Factors of Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition and is influenced by various genetic and lifestyle factors. The genetic factors causing diabetes include:

  • Family History: If the family members (siblings, parents) have type 2 diabetes, the risk of developing the condition is higher due to genetic factors.

  • Ethnicity: Some ethnic groups are more prone to developing diabetes than others, such as African Americans, Hispano/Latinos, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.

Lifestyle and dietary influences can also be a risk factor for developing diabetes. Some of them include:

  • Obesity is a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes; it is one of the strongest risk factors for the disease. 

  • Lack of exercise or physical activity can lead to the development of diabetes. 

  • High intake of foods containing saturated fats and SSBs (Sugar-Sweetened Beverages) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

When diabetes is not well-managed, it can present a range of symptoms. Here are some common symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Blurred vision

  • Polydipsia and polyuria

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Ulcers that take long to heal

  • Recurrent infections

If diabetes remains untreated, it can lead to several serious complications:

  • Eye damage

  • Skin conditions

  • Heart and blood vessel damage

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)

  • Kidney damage (nephropathy)

Consult Top Diabetologist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (General medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

649

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Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

549

49 Cashback

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

recommendation

90%

(850+ Patients)

649

Dr. Utsa Basu, Diabetologist

Dr. Utsa Basu

Diabetologist

14 Years • MBBS, MD

Kolkata

Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

97%

(375+ Patients)

500

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Dr. Debtosh Saha, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Debtosh Saha

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

31 Years • MBBS, Masterclass in Diabetes Complication, PG Diploma in Endocrinology & Diabetes, DCMH

Paschim Bardhaman

Dr Saha's Sugar & Mind Clinic, Paschim Bardhaman

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Diagnosis and the Importance of Regular Screening 

Diabetes is diagnosed by several tests that help to evaluate blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association outlines several common diagnostic tests, such as:

  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: It measures blood glucose levels following an overnight fast. A reading of 126 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or greater suggests diabetes.

  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): It involves drinking a glucose solution, with blood glucose levels measured before and two hours after consumption. A two-hour level of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. 

  • Hemoglobin A1C Test: It reflects the average blood glucose level during the previous two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or greater on two independent tests indicates diabetes.

The NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) insists that screening helps to identify the disease at an early stage, reducing the risk of developing complications. Screening is particularly important for:

  • Individuals with a family history of diabetes

  • Those who are overweight or obese

  • People with high blood pressure

  • Individuals over the age of 45

Management and Treatment

Diabetes can be managed by medications and changes in diet and activities. Treatment options for diabetes include:

  • Insulin Therapy: It is essential for type 1 diabetics and sometimes for type 2 diabetes. It involves injecting insulin to control the level of glucose in the blood. 

  • Oral Medications: For type 2 diabetes, many types of oral medications are used to manage blood glucose levels. These include:

  1. Metformin

  2. Sulfonylureas

  3. GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) Receptor Agonists

  4. SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2) Inhibitors

Lifestyle modifications and diet control are also an integral part of controlling diabetes.

  • Eating healthy food is essential for managing diabetes.

  • Staying active most days helps maintain blood sugar levels.

  • Regular blood sugar testing is crucial for monitoring the condition.

  • Prescribed medications should be continued, even when feeling better.

  • Learning stress management techniques is important.

  • Managing the emotional aspects of diabetes and coping with stress is key to overall well-being.

Role of Technology in Managing Diabetes

CGM (Continuous glucose monitoring systems) and insulin pumps are a form of wearable technology that dispenses real-time data regarding blood glucose levels and the amount of insulin being infused into the patient’s body. CGMs record glucose levels 24/7 eliminating most of the finger-prick tests that are invasive and painful.

Many mobile apps are also widely used to monitor blood sugar levels, such as:

  • Fooducate

  • MySugr

  • Buddy

  • Bezzy T2D

  • Beat Diabetes

  • OneTouch Reveal

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips 

Leading healthy lifestyle habits are important to prevent and manage diabetes. Key strategies include:

  • Regular Exercise: The American Diabetes Association advocates that a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise should be done in a week to prevent obesity, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease the levels of blood glucose.

  • Healthy Eating Habits and Diet Plans: A diet that helps control blood sugar levels include whole grain products, lean meats, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables. According to Mayo Clinic, one should pay attention to portion sizes and avoid consuming processed foods.

Coping Strategies for Living with Diabetes

As diabetes has no cure, coping with it requires emotional well-being and building a strong support network are both important

Often people living with diabetes may face emotional challenges, like stress, anxiety or depression. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are strategies that may help decrease stress and improve general mental health to help improve control over diabetes.

Support groups help individuals cope with challenges, reduce isolation, and offer practical advice and emotional support.

Advancements in Diabetes Research

In recent years, diabetes research has resulted in new advances, better treatments, and huge increases in life expectancy for people with diabetes. There is still much work to be done in prevention and treatment. Recent breakthroughs in diabetes treatment include:

  • Advances in insulin therapy

  • Cutting-edge diabetes management devices

  • Immunotherapy and β cell regeneration

Future directions in diabetes research focus on:

  • Developing more targeted drugs for Type 2 diabetes

  • Creating better combinations of drugs

Conclusion

Diabetes is a long-term condition that needs active management for life to avoid complications. It’s all about lifestyle changes, medication adherence and proactive monitoring.

People with diabetes can lead healthy lives by understanding the condition and actively participating in their care. Education allows those affected to make accurate decisions, adhere to treatment plans, and collaborate with healthcare providers to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Consult Top Diabetologist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (General medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

649

64 Cashback

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

549

49 Cashback

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

recommendation

90%

(850+ Patients)

649

Dr. Utsa Basu, Diabetologist

Dr. Utsa Basu

Diabetologist

14 Years • MBBS, MD

Kolkata

Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

97%

(375+ Patients)

500

1000

Dr. Debtosh Saha, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Debtosh Saha

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

31 Years • MBBS, Masterclass in Diabetes Complication, PG Diploma in Endocrinology & Diabetes, DCMH

Paschim Bardhaman

Dr Saha's Sugar & Mind Clinic, Paschim Bardhaman

450

500

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Diabetologist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (General medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

649

64 Cashback

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

549

49 Cashback

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

recommendation

90%

(850+ Patients)

649

Dr. Utsa Basu, Diabetologist

Dr. Utsa Basu

Diabetologist

14 Years • MBBS, MD

Kolkata

Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

97%

(375+ Patients)

500

1000

Dr. Debtosh Saha, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Debtosh Saha

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

31 Years • MBBS, Masterclass in Diabetes Complication, PG Diploma in Endocrinology & Diabetes, DCMH

Paschim Bardhaman

Dr Saha's Sugar & Mind Clinic, Paschim Bardhaman

450

500

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Diabetologist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Lakshmi Sindhura Kakani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (General medicine)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

649

64 Cashback

Dr. Liritha C, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Liritha C

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

549

49 Cashback

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Suraja Nutulapati

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

10 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)

Hyderabad

Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad

recommendation

90%

(850+ Patients)

649

Dr. Utsa Basu, Diabetologist

Dr. Utsa Basu

Diabetologist

14 Years • MBBS, MD

Kolkata

Dr Utsa Basu Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

97%

(375+ Patients)

500

1000

Dr. Debtosh Saha, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Debtosh Saha

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

31 Years • MBBS, Masterclass in Diabetes Complication, PG Diploma in Endocrinology & Diabetes, DCMH

Paschim Bardhaman

Dr Saha's Sugar & Mind Clinic, Paschim Bardhaman

450

500

No Booking Fees

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