Diabetes FAQs: Clear Answers to Your Most Common Questions

What is diabetes in simple words?

Just think of getting up thirsty, always running to the washroom, and constantly feeling weak and tired without any explanation. People might dismiss these signs because they do not look severe enough, but they could signify a crucial condition—Diabetes. Diabetes is a global ailment. It occurs when the body can’t make enough insulin to regulate glucose, its main energy source.

This blog provides complete information on diabetes and the expert answers to the frequently asked questions. It is the ultimate resource for learning about its symptoms, causes, prevention, and how to control it. For more information, stay with us to change and live healthier lives.

What does insulin do to the body?

It relates to the hormone insulin, which plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar. Without it, glucose can not enter the cells, and excess sugar will form in the blood. If this continues, it can harm the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. These are some of the body’s most vital organs.

What are the symptoms of diabetes? 

• Your skin may get dry
• Possibility of blurred vision
• Increased appetite
• Unplanned weight loss
• Urge for often urination
• Slow healing wounds
• Increased thirst

How can I prevent diabetes?

• Increase your activity level by doing moderate exercises per day.
• Take a variety of foods from each food group, including fruits, grains, and vegetables. 
• Quit smoking because tobacco products raise blood sugar levels.
• Try to reduce salt in your food items.
• Maintain a healthy weight. 

Can exercise help manage diabetes?

Yes, exercise can help control blood sugar levels, improve heart health, manage weight, and improve well-being. You can do exercises like swimming, cycling, walking, or strength training to build muscle and metabolism. 

Note: Before starting a new exercise, consult your doctor to ensure it suits your condition and needs.

What are the types of diabetes? 

Diabetes is mainly of two types.

Type 1: Should be managed throughout one’s lifetime. The body’s defenses turn on the pancreas and destroy the cells that produce insulin, so no insulin is secreted. Prolonged observation and evaluation are unavoidable. This condition occurs mainly in children and adults.

Type 2: In this type, the person suffers from very low insulin production, and there would never be a normal glucose level in the body. It has assets of heredity, and people with this type become heavier in body weight. However, it may be regular or managed if you make healthy lifestyle choices.

What is the best time to consult a doctor for diabetes?

Your best time to consult for Diabetes:

• If you are often thirsty or urinating, visit the doctor, as these are all the signs of high blood sugar.
• Extreme tiredness or unplanned weight loss may indicate Diabetes. So you can seek medical help.
• If you are above 45, it increases the risk of developing diabetes.
• Consult with your doctor if you are a higher-weight person or inactive. There is a high chance you have Diabetes.
• Consult your doctor when pregnant or planning to conceive. Gestational diabetes can harm both mother and baby.
• If you feel numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, consult your doctor. Nerve damage may cause this.
• Visit a doctor immediately if symptoms worsen or you notice complications like foot sores or frequent infections.
• Genetics can play a role in the case of diabetes so that you can see the doctor accordingly.

Don’t wait for complications—consult a doctor early to manage diabetes effectively and protect your health!

What are the complications of diabetes?

Nowadays, most people have Diabetes, and it has become very common in the upcoming society. Sometimes, we can expect that from a born child, and we can expect many complications.

1. Diabetes mainly causes heart disease. It leads to chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries).
2. Kidney diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy, can be caused by Diabetes. High blood pressure may easily damage your kidneys.
3. Nerve damage can be caused by diabetics, which also leads to pain, tingling, and burning. Sometimes, you can also lose the feeling in your legs and hands.
4. Possibility of vision loss (diabetic retinopathy), which damages the eyes because of diabetics. You may also have trouble seeing, especially at night. 
5. Foot ulcers are normal in diabetic patients. They can cause nerve damage or poor blood circulation. In most cases, amputation of the foot, toes, or leg is also possible. 

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes can affect you in different ways, and the treatment also differs. Here’s the list of treatments that you can follow:

• Diabetic wounds don’t heal quickly, so wound care, such as proper cleaning and bandaging, is vital to protect against infections.
• When people are facing type 1 diabetes, injections or pumps (insulin therapy) are used to manage blood sugar levels, and in some cases, it will be apt to type 2.
• Oral medications are also available to help maintain lower blood sugar levels and improve the body’s response to insulin.
• Regular eye exams or detection of diabetic retinopathy ensures timely treatment.
• Foot care is essential. Regular checkups can catch nerve damage, infections, or ulcers. This can prevent serious complications.
• Continuous glucose monitoring is the key to identifying people with Diabetes; some devices control blood sugar in real-time without frequent finger pricks. 
• Lifestyle adjustments like stress reduction, quitting smoking, and improving sleep quality reduce maximum complications. 
• Vaccinations are the next crucial supporting factor for people with Diabetes, who are at higher risk for infections. Therefore, the flu and pneumonia vaccines are essential. 
• If any organs or systems in the body are affected, you are affected by Diabetes. Specialized treatments are available. If complications arise, we use advanced therapies. These include laser treatments for eye problems and dialysis for kidney issues.

Take control of your diabetes today—explore the best treatment options from KARE

What do diabetic people eat?

Diabetic people should be in control and should know what to eat and not to eat. The food chart for diabetic patients is given below

What to eat?

What to avoid?

What health habits create diabetes in your daily life?

• Poor diet, like more sugar and processed foods, increases blood sugar.
• Lack of exercise leads to heavier body weight and insulin resistance conditions.
• Stress increases cortisol, which regulates blood sugar.
• Smoking increases insulin resistance and affects blood vessels negatively.
• Excess alcohol raises or lowers glucose levels and affects the pancreas negatively.
• Poor sleep also raises insulin resistance and interferes with the regulation of glucose balance.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is a movable, full-thickness sore. It mostly occurs on the sole. It develops when diabetes damages the blood vessels that supply nerves. This hinders the body’s ability to heal. Thus, if not treated in time, diabetic foot ulcers tend to develop severe infections or complications. If such complications are found early, they should be treated before they worsen. People with Diabetes should have their feet checked at least once or twice weekly.

How to cure diabetic ulcers​?

Diabetic ulcers can be cured only if the person receives the necessary treatment when the first signs of ulcer formation are identified. This treatment includes cleaning the wound, dressing appropriately, and controlling the infectious process. 

A special shoe (orthosis) may be recommended to reduce the pressure exerted on your foot as you heal. In severe cases, surgery may be required. In some instances, operation might be the only option. There is no denying that maintaining lower blood sugar levels helps you recover faster. 

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer at the initial stages?

• Soreness or skin change of colour.
• Swellings or inflammation in the affected area.
• Fluid drainage or pus.
• Poor odour coming from the affected region.
• Burning, numbness, tingling, or pain in the foot.
• Visible open sores or wounds.

How are diabetic foot ulcers prevented?

• Indications for intervention: cleaning and dressing of the wound.
• Surgical procedures such as cutting off the dead tissues 
• Getting diabetic footwear
• Taking anti-obesity drugs.
• Reducing blood sugar levels.

When should you consult a doctor for a foot ulcer?

You can consult a doctor,

• Infection occurs in case of redness, swelling, or pus formation.
• If the skin has initially had a black or discolouration.
• Worsening of symptoms or when the pain persists.
• If possible, significantly if signs of infection develop within the first few hours.

What are the different stages of foot ulcer

Based on its severity, a diabetic foot ulcer has different stages, i.e.,

Stage 0: Pre-ulcer

• The skin and underlying tissue are at risk but are not damaged.
• There is inflammation, and thick skin changes or locus of pressure are seen.

Stage 1: Superficial ulcer

• Epidermis (outer layer of the skin) does not exist in the usual way.
• It is peripheral, the damage involving only the skin’s upper layers, forming an ulcer.

Stage 2: Deep ulcer

• The ulcer involves deeper skin structures, dermis, or subcutaneous tissue structures.
• The initial survey may show exposed muscle or fat, but signs of infection are absent.

Stage 3: Infected ulcer

• The ulcer manifests infection, indicating signs of erythema, edema, increased temperature, and pus.
• This could even reach down to muscles or tendons of the skin.

Stage 4: Necrotic ulcer

• The surrounding tissue of the ulcer undergoes necrosis or death.
• The ulcer may have been partially sloughed or have turned black or some other colour.

Stage 5: Severe infection or gangrene

• There is inflammation, which predisposes to gangrene or, in other words, the death of tissues.
• Needs to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

What are all the orthotic solutions for diabetic foot problems?

Many patients with diabetes experience complications affecting the feet and therefore, need specific orthotics to avoid further challenges and live comfortably. Here are some standard orthotic solutions:

1. Custom-made insoles

Customized diabetic insoles​ help relieve pressure on vulnerable areas and prevent ulcers by reducing weight on the extremities. As mentioned, they are made to accommodate the specific shape of the diabetic foot.

2. Diabetic shoes

Shoes for diabetic patients offer more depth, a smooth inside surface, and a soft sole that will not rub or chafe any part of the feet, which is best for orthopedic insoles. They also provide pressure relief.

3. Ankle-foot orthosis (AFOs)

In very deformed or immobile patients, the AFO brace for foot supports and aligns the foot and ankle. This reduces the risk of damage and promotes stability. 

4. Toe caps and protectors

These shoe protectors help prevent your feet from rubbing and being squeezed, which can cause problems like corns, calluses, and sores. You can use this at stages 0-1 (Pre-ulcer to superficial ulcer) to avoid friction or pressure.

5. Custom orthopedic braces

In cases such as charcot foot, braces are applied to help hold and immobilize structures, correct deformities, and facilitate healing. Stage 3-4 (Infected ulcer to necrotic ulcer) to help maintain and control deformities.

6. Offloading devices

Removable walker boots or offloading shoes for diabetics also reduce the pressure of ulcers and give quicker healing rates. 

Can diabetic ulcers lead to amputation?

Yes, diabetic foot ulcers result in amputation.

When does amputation occur?

Amputation is usually needed in Stage 4 or 5 of a diabetic foot ulcer when:

• The tissue ends up being dead or containing gangrene, or it simply becomes dead or infected.
• Organ dysfunction damage becomes severe, and the infection goes to bones or blood (sepsis).
• Blood supply to the affected area of the body is limited.

Conclusion

Untreated diabetic foot ulcers can worsen quickly. They may cause infections, gangrene, or amputation. This is why prevention and access to early treatment are essential to avoid these consequences. Some measures include correct blood sugar regulation, foot examination, proper wound care, and orthotics to lessen pressure on the foot.

At KARE, we provide the best orthotic solutions in India to protect your foot health. Our offerings include custom-made insoles, offloading devices, and advanced prosthetic solutions for amputees—all at the best pricing in India. From conservative treatments to ultra-aid support, we ensure the right fit for your needs. Visit us early to prevent complications and avoid amputation. Join us for better health!

Explore KARE Prosthetic and Orthotics pricing. Contact now!