1. Does having diabetes mean that I am at higher risk for other medical problems? 2. Should I start seeing other doctors regularly, such as an eye doctor? 3. How often should I test my blood sugar, and what should I do if it is too high or too low? 4. Are there any new medications that I could use to help manage my diabetes? 5. Does diabetes mean I have to stop eating the foods I like best? 6. How can exercise make a difference in my diabetes? 7. If I'm overweight, how many pounds do I have to lose to make a difference in my health? 8. Are my children at increased risk for the disease? 9. What is the importance of diet in diabetes? 10. Do I need to take my medications even on days that I feel fine?

Dr. Prabhakar Laxman JatharEndocrinologist46yrs exp

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Mr. Lybrate-user, your questions make a big list, answering each of them in detail will be too much for me. Still I will clarify certain points. 1) having diabetes does make a person susceptible to many other diseases like cardiac problems, hypertension, kidney diseases, nervous system problems and eyes. 2) a person with diabetes has to get his or her eyes examined once a year for retinal involvement plus any other problem. 3) blood sugar testing should be more often initially (daily 2 or 3 times). Later when condition is stabilised, once in 2 - 3 days, later once a week. Once if the sugar is in good control even once in 15 days is ok. Plus you have to check hba1c% every 3 to 6 months. 4) there are many new medications available now, depends on what treatment is currently on. 5) total dietary intake has to be restricted to a specific number of calories per day, depending upon ideal body weight, exercise and sugar level. Sweets, deep fried foods, junk foods and pastries to be avoided. 6) exercise increases glucose utilisation, reduces insulin resistance, burns calories, helps reduce weight, improves fitness and well being. 7) your bmi should be <23 kg/m2.8) t2 dm is a familial disease, children do get it but it is a preventable condition. 9) diet is important because that is the source for glucose, fat and proteins other nutrients. Excess glucose can aggravate diabetes. 10) medication is necessary on all days till one lives. 

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