Hello Diabetes: Diagnosis of Diabetes

Every 11th adult in the world may have diabetes. Diabetes can be tested by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in which you have to do an overnight fasting of 8-14 hrs before the test. After withdrawing fasting blood sample, consume 75 gms of glucose in appx 250-300ml of water and test the blood glucose after 2 hours. During this period avoid any type of physical exertion and smoking. If 2 hours, post (75gm) glucose blood sugar level is less than 140 mg/dL it is considered as normal, if it is between 140 to 199 mg/dL this indicates you have Pre Diabetes, and when it is 200 mg/dL or higher indicates that you have diabetes. Another method diagnosis diabetes is HbA1c test. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have Pre Diabetes and 6.5% or higher indicates that you have diabetes. Similarly, A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have pre diabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher it indicates you have diabetes. Dr Gupta also discussed about ICMR and other studies which indicates that more and more younger population is getting affected with diabetes which is a concern for the healthcare system. Moreover 50-70% of our adult population is overweight which increases the risk of non communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes. Studies have shown that Life Style Modification (LSM) alone can prevent diabetes. Researches have shown that LSM can prevent 54% of people with prediabetes from developing frank diabetes. Metformin has been recently approved by the Government for the treatment of Prediabetes in India. To make India diabetes free, focus should be on Obesity & Prediabetes .We should preach “Eat less, chew well, walk more, sleep well & Smile”! (Recorded on 31st March 2023)