SS
1
Serious severity
· Endocrinology
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar · Insulin resistance
The body stops responding well to insulin, so glucose builds up in the blood. Caught early, lifestyle alone can keep it in check; left late, it harms the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 101 million Indians
- Typical age
- 35+ years
- Outlook
- Manageable, lifelong
- System
- Hormones
Reviewed by a practising endocrinology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Insulin resistance from belly fat
- Genetic predisposition (South Asian risk)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Diets high in refined carbs & sugar
- PCOS, gestational diabetes history
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Persistent thirst and dry mouth
- Unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent skin or gum infections
- Slow-healing wounds, tingling feet
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Metformin as first-line therapy
- SGLT2 inhibitors / GLP-1 agonists
- Low-glycemic, high-fiber meal plan
- Strength + cardio 5 days/week
- HbA1c targets reviewed quarterly
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Keep waist under 80 cm (women) / 90 cm (men)
- Eat whole grains, dal, vegetables
- Walk 10,000 steps/day
- Sleep 7–8 hrs; cut visceral stress
- Annual screening if family history
Do’s
- Test fasting + post-meal sugars weekly
- Replace white rice with millets
- Eat fenugreek seeds soaked overnight
- Get eyes checked annually
Don’ts
- Skip meals and binge later
- Drink sugary 'health' beverages
- Stop metformin without doctor
- Ignore numb feet — wounds get worse
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.