Frequently Asked Questions
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Patient: Doctor, can my diabetes be cured permanently?
Doctor: Diabetes cannot be cured in the true sense, but it can be well controlled. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin, but the body becomes resistant to it. With proper diet, exercise, weight management, and medicines, blood sugars can stay normal for years — this is called remission. However, if you go back to unhealthy habits, sugars can rise again.
Patient: If my sugars come down, can I stop insulin?
Doctor: It depends on why insulin was started. In Type 2 diabetes, sometimes insulin is temporary — for example, during infection, surgery, or pregnancy. Once your pancreas recovers and sugars stabilize, we can reduce or stop insulin. But in Type 1 diabetes, insulin is lifelong because the pancreas produces none.
Patient: Which flour is best for diabetics — wheat, bajri, or jowar?
Doctor: All have carbohydrates, but their glycemic index (GI) differs.
Jowar and bajra have lower GI than refined wheat, meaning they raise blood sugar more slowly.
You can use a mix of wheat + jowar + bajra + methi seeds + bran for balanced nutrition and fiber.
Portion control is key — even healthy flour can spike sugar if eaten in excess.
Patient: How many times a day should I check my sugar?
Doctor: It depends on your treatment:
If on insulin, check fasting, pre-meal, post-meal, and sometimes at bedtime.
If on tablets, checking fasting and post-meal 2–3 times a week is sufficient.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) gives deeper insights if you can afford it.
Monitoring helps us understand your glucose pattern and adjust medicines safely.
Patient: What is the normal blood sugar range?
Doctor:
Fasting (before breakfast): 80–130 mg/dl
2 hours after meal: <180 mg/dl
HbA1c (3-month average): <7%
These are ADA-recommended targets. For elderly or heart patients, goals can be slightly relaxed for safety.
Patient: What kind of exercise is good for diabetes?
Doctor: A mix of aerobic exercise (like brisk walking, cycling, swimming) and resistance training (like light weights or yoga) works best.
Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate activity.
Check sugar before and after if on insulin or sulfonylureas to avoid hypoglycemia.
Avoid walking barefoot, especially if you have neuropathy.
Patient: When can I stop my diabetes tablets?
Doctor: Diabetes is a chronic condition, so medicines usually continue lifelong. However, the type and dose may change. If your sugars improve with weight loss and lifestyle, we can sometimes reduce or stop a few medicines — but always under supervision, never abruptly.
Patient: Are insulin or tablets harmful in the long run?
Doctor: Every medicine has potential side effects, but the benefits usually outweigh the risks.
Metformin: can cause mild stomach upset initially.
SGLT2 inhibitors: may cause genital infections.
Sulfonylureas: can cause low sugar.
Insulin: can cause mild weight gain or local reaction.
These are manageable — what's more dangerous is uncontrolled diabetes itself.
Patient: How often should I eat?
Doctor: Ideally 3 main meals and 2 small snacks spaced 3–4 hours apart.
Avoid skipping meals, as it can cause sugar fluctuations. Balanced meals with complex carbs, protein, and fiber help maintain steady glucose levels.
Patient: Are sugar-free tablets safe?
Doctor: Most approved sweeteners (like stevia, sucralose, aspartame) are safe in recommended doses. They help reduce calorie and sugar intake. However, excessive use can alter taste perception and gut microbiome, so moderation is advised. Natural stevia is a good choice.