Diabetes – Complications and Management by Dr. Rajendiran N, Senior Consultant, MBBS, MD

Dr. Rajendiran N is one of the best endocrinologists in India and has over 41 years of experience. At present, Dr. Rajendiran is working as a Senior Diabetes Consultant at Apollo Hospital, Greams Road, Chennai. He specializes in Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes Management, Filaria Treatment, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment, Insulin Free Treatment, and Diabetic Neuropathy.

After completing his MBBS and MD (Internal Medicine) from Madras University, Dr. Rajendiran N continued his work in the area of diabetes and its management. He was the Founder President of Madras Medical College Diabetes Alumni Association. He is the Secretary of the Diabetes Association of India (Southern Chapter).  

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that does not allow the absorption of blood sugar by the body. This may happen when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin - a hormone necessary for absorbing glucose for energy, or the body is unable to utilize the insulin. As a result, high levels of sugar remain in the blood which can cause health problems.

There is no cure for diabetes and management of blood sugar is the only treatment. Prolonged hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels can lead to serious damage to the organs, blood vessels, and nerves.

The most common types of Diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This is a condition when the pancreas does not produce any insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system of the body attacks the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. Diabetes in Children and young adults is usually Type 1 Diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes: It starts with a condition known as insulin resistance, where the body is unable to use the insulin. This puts pressure on the pancreas to produce more insulin. The pancreas is unable to keep up and slows down the production of insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle disease and generally affects individuals over the age of 45. 
• Gestational Diabetes: Certain pregnancy hormones block the production of insulin and cause diabetes. It occurs only for the duration of the pregnancy.

A simple blood test can reveal blood sugars levels.  Visit the best endocrinologists in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, or any other city in India for screening tests and diagnosis of diabetes. 

Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes increases the risks of:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney disease or nephropathy
• Eye problems or retinopathy
• Nerve damage or neuropathy
• Foot problems and amputation
• Dental problems
• Skin problems
• Erectile dysfunction
• Complications during pregnancy
  • High blood pressure
  • Preeclampsia
  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Birth-defects

The best way to avoid complications of diabetes is to keep the sugars levels in control. Dr, Rajendiran N heads the team of diabetic consultants in Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, and has extensive experience in diabetes management.

Diabetic Retinopathy

It is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels of the eyes. Diabetes causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina and can lead to complete loss of vision. The symptoms of early-stage diabetic retinopathy are:

• Black thread-like structures or floaters in the field of vision
• Eye pain
• Redness in the eye
• Blurry vision
• Worsening vision
• Sudden loss of vision

The best endocrinologists in India will recommend an eye exam with dilation to check for retina damage at least once a year.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common form of nerve damage caused by diabetes. It starts in the foot and legs before it affects the arms. The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are:

• Numbness
• Reduced ability to feel pain
• Tingling sensation
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Dropping items
• Sharp shooting pains
• Blisters or sores in the feet
• Enhanced response to hot or cold temperatures

Diabetic Nephropathy

High blood sugar levels for prolonged periods can damage the filtering system of the kidneys. If left untreated and unmanaged, diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure – a life-threatening condition. About one-fourth of diabetic patients are known to suffer from kidney failures. An appointment with the best endocrinology in Chennai to screen for diabetic nephropathy can help catch kidney disease in its early stages.

Some of the symptoms are:

• Protein in the urine
• Swelling in feet, hands, ankles, eyes
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Reduced need for insulin
• Uncontrollable blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Diabetes Management

Regardless of the type of diabetes, management is crucial to avoid or delay the complications of diabetes. Management of diabetes includes medication, diet, and blood sugar monitoring. A diabetes consultant or endocrinologist can prescribe medication, and a dietician can help create a diet plan to keep the blood sugar under control. Apollo Hospital, Greams Road, Chennai, has the best doctors and healthcare professionals for diabetes management.

A complete diabetes management plan will include:

• Keeping the blood sugar levels within the range or limits
• Keeping the cholesterol levels within the range or limits
• Controlling the blood pressure

The above can be achieved by:

• Changing to a high fiber diabetic diet to increase fiber intake and reduce the intake of foods high in fats and sugars.
• Exercising regularly for at least 30 to 40 minutes a day
• Devising a weight loss plan if overweight or obese
• Taking medications or insulin as prescribed
• Monitoring of blood sugars
• Reduce intake of alcohol
• quitting smoking

Conclusion

Diabetes can be managed with proper care and complications can be avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle, taking medications as prescribed, and undergoing regular screenings. Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, provides diabetes care for patients from across the globe.