Diabetes can develop silently long before blood sugar levels become abnormal. On World Diabetes Day, doctors highlight early warning signs, risk factors and the importance of regular screening and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent or delay the disease.
Diabetes is often linked to eating too much sugar, but doctors say its causes are far more complex. Metabolic changes can begin years before blood sugar levels rise, making early screening and lifestyle changes essential to prevent type 2 diabetes.
Observed every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day aims to spread awareness about the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide. India remains among the countries with a significant diabetes burden.
Dr Deepak Thiriveedi, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at AGI Hospital, explained that insulin resistance is one of the earliest changes linked to diabetes. It occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin, making blood sugar control difficult.
Dr Ravi Sankar Erukulapati, consultant endocrinologist at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, said, “Unlike the common perception that diabetes is simply high blood sugar, metabolic dysfunction can begin years before glucose levels become abnormal.”
Doctors say early warning signs may include increasing waist size, abdominal weight gain and darkening of the skin around the neck or armpits. However, many people with prediabetes do not experience noticeable symptoms.
Dr Deepak said, “A person may feel completely healthy despite having prediabetes. This is why regular screening is important.”Experts recommend fasting blood glucose and HbA1c tests for early detection. People above 35 years and those with risk factors such as family history, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, fatty liver and PCOS should pay particular attention to regular screening.
Doctors also warn that being slim does not necessarily mean being free from diabetes risk. Indians can develop the condition at younger ages and even at lower body weights.Lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Losing 5 to 7 per cent of body weight, where needed, along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, can reduce the risk.
Dr Deepak recommends eating more vegetables, pulses and protein while limiting refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks. Brisk walking, moderate exercise and taking short breaks from sitting can also improve metabolic health.
“Consistency is more important than perfection,” Dr Deepak said.Doctors stress that diabetes prevention requires regular health checks, balanced nutrition and physical activity rather than simply avoiding sweets.
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