FAQ

In type 1 diabetes the cells of the pancreas no longer make any Insulin because the body’s Immune system has attacked & destroyed them. Type1 diabetes is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes usually begins with Insulin resistance, a condition in which the body doesn’t use Insulin properly. At first the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more Insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to make enough Insulin in response to meals. Being overweight & inactive increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of complications (a) Numbness, tingling, burning pain or swelling in your feets/hands. This could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy. (b) Blurry or spotty visions or seeing flashes. This may be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. (c) Cuts or sores that wont heal or that look infected. (d) Chest pain or shortness of breath. This may be sign of heart disease or blood vessels problems. (e) Frequent bloating, belching, constipation, nausea & vomiting, diarrhea or belly pain after you eat. 

You are more likely to get complications from type 2 diabetes if: (a) Your blood sugar stays high over a period of time. Your risk for complications increases if your blood sugar gets too high & stays high for too long.

(b) You have had the disease for a long time: The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have some related health problems. This can happen even if your blood sugar levels are controlled. 

Diabetes Mellitus – often simply referred to as diabetes is a condition in which a person has a high blood sugar level as a result of the body either not producing enough Insulin, or because body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. 

It aims at regenerating the destroyed beta-cells & there by producing the required quantity of Insulin which keeps the blood sugar level normal.

Patients using Insulin or other medicines should continue the same along with Mehyog(dosage on the bottle/pack). Check the Fasting Blood Sugar level after 21 days and if the Fasting Blood Sugar level has reduced to below 150, then one can reduce the Insulin intake by half the dosage. After subsequent 21 days, if Fasting Blood Sugar level is constant below 150, insulin or other medicines can be reduced to one time a day. Gradually they can discontinue all other medicines and continue with just Mehyog and diet control. Once your Fasting Blood Sugar level is under control, you can reduce the intake of Mehyog also to just one teaspoon per day in the night.

It is a general misconception that alcohol damages only the liver. But it is not true. Alcohol affects the pancreas too - beta-cells of the pancreas gets damaged thus effecting insulin production in the body to regulate blood sugar.

If pancreas is functioning in acceptable condition, then for those patients, Diabetes can be cured using long term ayurvedic treatment. In ayurvedic texts : It has been said diabetes due to "kaphaja" can be treated. Due to "pittaja" can be controlled and due to "vataja" cant be cured.

In cigarettes and tobacco smoke, Nicotine is present. While smoking its traces get deposited in the organs. In diabetic person, pancreas is already a damaged organ. Nicotine traces gets deposited there too; thus hampering its normal function.

It is not true. Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious health complications, like heart disease, blindness & kidney damage. Many people have type 2 diabetes, but do not have any symptoms. Have regular follow ups with your doctor and take the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your diabetes, even if you feel fine enough.

It is true. Some times people do not notice the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. The symptoms are often blamed on other illness or on aging. Many people have a condition called pre-diabetes, which means that their blood sugar is high but not enough to be called type 2 diabetes. These people are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is now a lifestyle disease too. Life style changes, like eating healthy food & being active are definitely important steps to help control your blood sugar.

Hypertension or high blood pressure causes damage to the body organs, and is a risk factor for diabetes. Hypertensive patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly taking medications to keep their blood pressure within normal limits.

Symptoms of high blood sugar includes

(a) Being very thirsty
(b) Urinating a lot
(c) losing weight without much reason
(d) Having blurry vision

Symptoms of low blood sugar

(a)Weakness
(b)Confusion
(c)Sweating
(d)Shakiness
(e)Hunger

The symptoms of diabetes may begin gradually can be hard to identify at first. They may include fatigue, a sick feeling, frequent urination, esp. at night excessive thirst. When there is extra sugar in blood, one way the body gets rid of it is through frequent urination. This loss of fluids causes extreme thirst. Other symptoms may include sudden weight loss, blurred vision & slow healing of skin, gum & urinary tract infections. Women may notice genital itching.

Yes, Gestational diabetes. It typically occurs during the later stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had gestational diabetes her child have a life long risk of developing diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by the effect of hormones produced during pregnancy resulting in a shortage of Insulin.

Being over 40 years of age & overweight or obese are the key factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include: (a) Having a first degree relative - a parent, brother/sister with diabetes. (b) Having had gestational diabetes. (c) Having blood pressure above 140/90 (d) Having abnormal cholesterol levels- an HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol level of 35 or lower, or a triglyceride level of 250 or higher. (e) Being inactive or exercising level less than three times a week. (f) Having polycystic ovary syndrome. (g)History of Cardiovascular disease

People with diabetes must learn to take care of their diabetes everyday. Much of the daily care involves keeping blood glucose levels in a target range that is right for you. People with diabetes should do four things everyday to lower high blood glucose.

(a)Follow your diet plan
(b) Get regular exercise
(c) Take your diabetes medicines as prescribed
(d) Check your blood glucose periodically

Heart disease & stroke are the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. Controlling the ABCs of diabetes your blood glucose, your blood pressure, and your cholesterol- can help to prevent these and other complications from diabetes. “A” is for the A1C test ( A one-C) It shows you what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C threshold for most people is below 7. High blood glucose levels can harm your heart & blood vessels, kidneys, feet & eyes is for blood pressure. The threshold for most people is 130/80. High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke and kidney disease is for cholesterol. The LDL threshold for most people is about 100. The HDL ideally for most people should be above 40, LDL cholesterol can build up & clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

No, people who eat foods high in sugar are at risk of gaining weight because sugar adds calories. Being overweight is associated with developing type 2 diabetes, but eating sugar doesn't cause diabetes.

Unfortunately, medication alone cannot adequately control blood glucose levels & keep you in the best health. Eating appropriate meal in daily foods at regular meal times is an important part of diabetes management control.