Best Type 2 diabetes Doctors in Chennai

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition marked by the body's inability to adequately respond to insulin, leading to elevated levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. It is primarily due to insulin resistance, a condition where cells fail to respond properly to insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. The primary causes of type 2 diabetes include genetic disposition and lifestyle factors like obesity.

In Chennai, like much of urban India, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diet habits have contributed to an increase in obesity. This has subsequently led to a surge in type 2 diabetes cases. Moreover, local doctors have noticed a genetic predisposition among residents, making them particularly susceptible. The best doctors and specialists for blood sugar control can be found at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. They offer comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment plans tailored to every patient's needs.

Stages of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes typically progresses through various stages:

• Insulin Resistance: In this initial phase, the cells of the body develop a resistance to insulin, leading to the pancreas producing more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels

• Prediabetes: This initial stage is characterised by slightly elevated blood sugar levels, which, if not controlled, can lead to full-blown diabetes.

• Early Stage: If your blood sugar levels become too high for an extended period. Initial symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, constant hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, and numbness in extremities.

• Advanced Stage: If untreated, the disease can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), kidney disease, gum disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

The following are common signs and symptoms indicative of type 2 diabetes:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination

• Extreme fatigue, coupled with unexplained weight loss

• Blurry vision and slow-healing sores

• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (for both genders)

• Specific symptoms for men include decreased sex drive, while women may experience vaginal dryness.

Tests to Diagnose Type 2 Diabetes

To diagnose type 2 diabetes, the following tests are commonly used:

• Glycated Haemoglobin (A1C) test: This blood test measures the percentage of sugar attached to haemoglobin.

• Fasting Blood Sugar test: Checks blood sugar level after an overnight fast.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance test: Measures blood sugar before and after a glucose-rich drink.

• Random Blood Sugar test: Checks blood sugar level at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Type 2 Diabetes at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

The management of type 2 diabetes requires a multifaceted approach:

• Lifestyle Changes: This includes implementing a healthy diet, losing weight if overweight, and incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine.

• Medications: In situations where lifestyle changes are not sufficient, medication or insulin therapy may be prescribed by the doctor for diabetes treatment at Apollo Hospitals.

• Surgical Options: Bariatric surgery might be considered in severe instances to induce weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity. This is performed by an expert surgeon for diabetes treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.