Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology | Vishuddha Endocrine Clinic, Ahmedabad
Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders. It occurs when blood glucose remains elevated because the body does not produce enough insulin, cannot use insulin effectively, or both. With appropriate treatment, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring, diabetes can be managed effectively and many complications can be prevented or delayed.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood glucose. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells. When insulin is absent, insufficient, or does not work properly, glucose accumulates in the blood.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and usually involves insulin resistance together with progressive reduction in insulin secretion. Genetics, excess body weight, physical inactivity and other metabolic factors contribute.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and requires appropriate monitoring and treatment, with follow-up after delivery because future type 2 diabetes risk is increased.
Other Types
Diabetes can also occur because of pancreatic disease, genetic conditions, hormonal disorders, medications and other medical conditions.
Symptoms of Diabetes
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent infections
- Slow-healing wounds
Some people have no symptoms, so appropriate screening is important in people with risk factors.
Who Is at Risk?
Risk increases with family history, increasing age, excess body weight, physical inactivity, previous gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, prediabetes and certain medications or medical conditions.
What Is Prediabetes?
Prediabetes means glucose is above the healthy range but does not meet diagnostic criteria for diabetes. Common criteria include HbA1c 5.7–6.4%, fasting plasma glucose 100–125 mg/dL, or 2-hour OGTT glucose 140–199 mg/dL.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
| Test | Diabetes |
|---|---|
| HbA1c | ≥6.5% |
| Fasting plasma glucose | ≥126 mg/dL |
| 2-hour OGTT glucose | ≥200 mg/dL |
| Random plasma glucose with classic symptoms | ≥200 mg/dL |
In people without unequivocal hyperglycemia, an abnormal result generally requires confirmation with repeat testing or another appropriate test.
What Is HbA1c?
HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, estimates average glucose exposure over approximately the previous three months. It is useful for diagnosis and monitoring. Targets should be individualized; for many adults, a target around below 7% may be appropriate, but the correct goal depends on age, diabetes duration, medications, hypoglycemia risk, complications and other health conditions.
Diabetes Treatment
Treatment is individualized and may include healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, oral medicines, injectable medicines, insulin, glucose monitoring, blood pressure management and cholesterol management.
Diabetes Medicines
Depending on the individual situation, treatment may include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones and insulin. Medication selection should consider glucose control, cardiovascular and kidney health, weight-related goals, hypoglycemia risk, cost and patient preferences.
Is Insulin Necessary for Everyone?
No. Insulin is essential for type 1 diabetes, while some people with type 2 diabetes may need insulin when glucose is substantially elevated, symptoms are present, other treatments are insufficient, or insulin production has declined.
Diabetes and Diet
A diabetes-friendly diet does not mean eliminating all carbohydrates. Focus on vegetables and high-fiber foods, appropriate protein, minimally processed carbohydrates, portion control, healthier fats and limiting sugary drinks and highly processed foods. Indian foods can be part of a diabetes-friendly eating pattern.
Exercise and Diabetes
Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control. A combination of aerobic activity, resistance training, walking and reducing prolonged sitting can be beneficial. Exercise should be individualized, especially for people using insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycemia.
Read our Exercise and Diabetes guide.
Diabetes and Weight Loss
For people with type 2 diabetes and excess body weight, weight reduction can improve glucose, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and metabolic health. Lifestyle intervention remains important, while selected patients may benefit from evidence-based weight-management medicines or metabolic surgery depending on clinical circumstances.
Read our Weight Loss practical guide.
Complications of Diabetes
Persistently elevated glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves over time. Important complications include diabetic retinopathy, chronic kidney disease, neuropathy, cardiovascular disease and diabetic foot problems.
Regular Diabetes Check-Ups
- HbA1c
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Kidney function
- Urine albumin
- Eye examination
- Foot examination
- Neuropathy assessment
Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Prevented?
Type 2 diabetes cannot always be prevented, but risk can often be reduced through healthy weight management, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, avoiding tobacco and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and prediabetes.
When Should You See a Diabetes Specialist?
Consider consultation with an Endocrinologist or Diabetes Specialist if blood sugar remains above target, HbA1c remains elevated, you have frequent hypoglycemia, need insulin adjustment, have diabetes-related complications, difficult-to-control diabetes, significant weight-related problems, or an uncertain diabetes diagnosis.
Diabetes Care at Vishuddha Endocrine Clinic, Ahmedabad
At Vishuddha Endocrine Clinic, Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology, provides individualized evaluation and management of Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, insulin-treated diabetes, diabetes with thyroid disorders, diabetes-related complications and complex metabolic disorders.
Vishuddha Endocrine Clinic
104-105, Elite Magnum, Bhuyangdev Cross Road, Opp. Utsav Elegance, Vardhmannagar Society, Ghatlodiya/Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380061
Phone: +91 99799 92797
Frequently Asked Questions
Can diabetes be cured permanently?
Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve diabetes remission after substantial and sustained metabolic improvement, but remission is different from a guaranteed permanent cure and monitoring remains important.
Can I eat rice if I have diabetes?
Rice does not necessarily need to be completely eliminated. Portion size, type of rice, meal composition and total carbohydrate intake matter.
Should I stop diabetes medicine when my sugar becomes normal?
Do not stop prescribed diabetes medicines without discussing it with your doctor. Normal glucose may indicate that treatment is working.
Can diabetes cause weight loss?
Yes. Significant unexplained weight loss can occur with uncontrolled diabetes and should be medically evaluated.
Key Takeaways
- Know your blood glucose and HbA1c.
- Take prescribed medicines consistently.
- Follow an individualized eating plan.
- Stay physically active.
- Maintain a healthy body weight where appropriate.
- Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Have regular kidney, eye and foot assessments.
- Avoid smoking.
- Recognize and treat hypoglycemia appropriately.
- Consult an Endocrinologist when diabetes is difficult to control or complications develop.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical consultation.
Medical sources: American Diabetes Association Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); World Health Organization (WHO).
