DIABETES

The Department of Diabetes at Apollo Clinic Agartala provides comprehensive evaluation, personalised treatment and long-term medical support for people living with diabetes, prediabetes and related metabolic conditions. The department focuses not only on controlling blood sugar levels but also on reducing the risk of complications and helping patients maintain an active and healthy life.

Diabetes is a long-term health condition in which the level of glucose in the blood becomes higher than normal. When it is not properly controlled, diabetes can gradually affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and feet. Regular medical consultation, appropriate testing, healthy lifestyle practices and adherence to treatment are therefore essential for effective diabetes management.

Comprehensive Diabetes Assessment

Every patient receives an individual assessment based on their symptoms, medical history, blood glucose records, dietary habits, physical activity, body weight, family history and associated health conditions.

Depending on the patient’s requirements, the doctor may advise investigations such as fasting and postprandial blood glucose, HbA1c, kidney-function tests, lipid profile, urine examination, liver-function tests and other relevant assessments.

The results help the doctor understand the patient’s current level of diabetes control and determine an appropriate treatment and monitoring plan.

Conditions Evaluated and Managed

The Department of Diabetes provides consultation and management support for:

• Type 1 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes

• Prediabetes

• Newly diagnosed diabetes

• Uncontrolled or fluctuating blood sugar

• Diabetes in older adults

• Diabetes associated with obesity

• Diabetes with hypertension or high cholesterol

• Insulin resistance and metabolic conditions

• Recurrent high or low blood sugar episodes

• Diabetes-related nerve, kidney, eye and foot concerns

• Follow-up care for diabetes during and after pregnancy

• Prevention of diabetes-related complications

Personalised Diabetes Management

Diabetes treatment differs from one person to another. The treatment plan is prepared according to the patient’s type of diabetes, age, blood glucose level, HbA1c, lifestyle, existing medical conditions and risk of complications.

Management may include oral medicines, insulin therapy, dietary modification, physical-activity guidance, weight management and regular monitoring. Treatment may be reviewed and adjusted according to the patient’s response and investigation results.

Patients are also guided on how to recognise and respond to symptoms of excessively high or low blood sugar.

Prediabetes and Early Prevention

Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but have not yet reached the diagnostic range for diabetes. It is an important warning sign and should not be ignored.

Early lifestyle changes, weight management, regular physical activity and medical monitoring may help delay or prevent the progression of prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes.

People with a family history of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, previous gestational diabetes or a sedentary lifestyle may benefit from timely blood-sugar screening.

Blood-Glucose Monitoring

Regular monitoring helps patients and doctors understand whether the current treatment plan is working effectively. Depending on the individual condition, monitoring may include:

• Fasting blood sugar

• Postprandial blood sugar

• Random blood sugar

• HbA1c

• Home glucose-monitoring records

• Continuous glucose-monitoring reports, when applicable

The required frequency of testing varies according to the patient’s medication, use of insulin, risk of hypoglycaemia and overall diabetes control.

Insulin Guidance

Some patients with diabetes may require insulin to maintain appropriate blood glucose levels. The department provides guidance regarding insulin administration, dosage timing, storage, injection technique, meal planning and the prevention of low blood sugar.

Patients are encouraged not to start, stop or change their insulin dosage without consulting their treating doctor.

Prevention of Diabetes-Related Complications

Persistently high blood glucose can gradually damage different organs. The department therefore emphasises regular screening and early intervention for possible complications involving:

• Heart and blood vessels

• Kidneys

• Eyes and vision

• Nerves

• Feet and lower limbs

• Blood pressure and cholesterol

• Oral and dental health

Patients may be referred to the appropriate specialist when further evaluation or treatment is required.

Diabetic Foot and Nerve Care

Diabetes may reduce sensation in the feet and delay the healing of wounds. Patients are advised to inspect their feet regularly and seek medical attention for numbness, burning sensations, swelling, skin discolouration, cracks, blisters, ulcers or wounds that do not heal.

Proper footwear, foot hygiene, blood-sugar control and early treatment of injuries can help reduce the risk of serious foot complications.

Diet, Exercise and Weight Management

Healthy eating and regular physical activity are essential parts of diabetes management. Patients receive practical guidance on meal timing, portion control, carbohydrate intake, weight reduction and healthier food choices based on their individual medical needs.

Exercise recommendations are provided according to the patient’s age, mobility, cardiovascular health and overall physical condition.

Diabetes with Hypertension and High Cholesterol

Diabetes frequently occurs alongside high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and obesity. Together, these conditions can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

The department provides coordinated management of these risk factors through appropriate medication, lifestyle modification, regular monitoring and preventive guidance.

Patient Education and Long-Term Follow-Up

Successful diabetes care requires active participation from the patient. The department helps patients understand their condition, medicines, investigation reports, blood-sugar targets and warning signs.

Regular follow-up allows the doctor to evaluate progress, identify problems early and modify the treatment plan when necessary. Family members may also be guided on supporting the patient with medication adherence, diet, exercise and emergency management.

When Should You Consult a Diabetologist?

A consultation may be advisable if you experience:

• Increased thirst or frequent urination

• Unexplained tiredness or weakness

• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing wounds

• Recurrent infections

• Tingling, numbness or burning in the hands or feet

• Persistently high or fluctuating blood-sugar readings

• Symptoms of low blood sugar

• A family history or increased risk of diabetes

People who have already been diagnosed with diabetes should continue regular follow-up even when they feel well, as complications can sometimes develop without obvious early symptoms.

Patient-Centred Diabetes Care

The Department of Diabetes at Apollo Clinic Agartala follows a patient-centred and evidence-based approach. Every effort is made to provide clear medical guidance, personalised treatment and continuous support so that patients can manage their condition confidently.

The department is committed to improving blood-sugar control, preventing complications and supporting the long-term health and quality of life of every patient.