Mohali:- Dr. Amy Grewal, Director – Endocrinology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, said, “People living with diabetes can also lead healthy and active lives by ensuring timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and consistently adopting lifestyle changes.”
Dr. Grewal explained that diabetes is mainly of three types – Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. The causes of these three types differ, and each requires a distinct approach to treatment and management.
Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. In this condition, insulin therapy is required throughout life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. In this condition, the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose under control. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, develops during pregnancy, and careful monitoring and treatment are essential to protect the health of both the mother and the baby.
She explained that Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually and may not always show clear symptoms. Therefore, regular health check-ups are extremely important for people with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, and individuals with a physically inactive lifestyle.
Emphasising the importance of comprehensive diabetes management, Dr. Grewal said that effective control requires healthy eating, regular physical activity, proper weight management and medication as needed. She added that regular physical activity improves the body's sensitivity to insulin, while doctor-prescribed medicines or insulin therapy help maintain blood glucose levels according to an individual's needs.
Dr. Grewal said diabetes management should not be limited to achieving target blood glucose levels. Its broader objectives should be to reduce the overall risk of complications associated with the disease, maintain long-term health and improve the quality of life of people living with diabetes.
