Cutting the Cost of Your Diabetes Medications

A successful Diabetes Treatment is a synergy of treatment from expert Diabetologist, lifestyle modifications and regular use of prescribed medications. The average monthly expense for a diabetic comes to be anywhere between Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 per month. This can be further broken into the cost of consultation which will be Rs 700, regular lab tests for Rs 500 and the medicine and insulin cost will be around Rs 2500. For an individual the estimated cost of routine care treatments ranges between Rs 48,000 to Rs 60,000 per annum depending on whether they are on oral drugs only or on insulin too. Hence it is clear that the medicine cost contributes to approximately 70% of the total cost of diabetes treatment, so if the cost of medications is reduced the cost of Diabetes treatment will go down.

Buying medicines is also a hassle nowadays as you have to roam to different chemists to find your prescribed medicines and also the high costs of Medicines pinch your pockets.

Hence to reduce the cost of Diabetics, Lifespan Diabetes Clinic introduces its own pharmacy- 

• Up to 25%* off on Medicines with every order – Lifespan offers up to 25% discount on Oral medicines & 15% on Insulins with it’s Diabetes Treatments
• Genuine and Branded Medicines – Lifespan offers genuine and branded medicines
• Easy ordering and refills – You can order and refill your medicines at Lifespan reception or just calling the toll free no. without the hassle of uploading your prescription in a mobile app.
• Free delivery – Get free delivery for your medicines within 48 working hours at the place of your convenience.
• Order status – Get status of your order via SMS or calling on Toll free no.

To know more,

Call 1800 3000 1897

5 Signs of Pre-diabetes that you didn’t know

With diabetes becoming a growing concern in India, a large number of people are opting for regular screening to check their sugar levels. Most people are aware of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and consider their sugar levels normal if they aren’t diagnosed as one of these. However, there is another condition rapidly gaining ground, termed as pre-diabetes. This denotes borderline sugar levels which can turn to diabetes if corrective action isn’t taken.

In India, over 80 million people are considered to be pre-diabetic which is quite a significant numberi. Additionally, as the symptoms at this stage are almost non-existent, it may go undiagnosed till it becomes full blown diabetes! Here we bring you some of the lesser known symptoms of pre-diabetes that you may not even be aware of.

• Dry mouth: A dry mouth along with excess thirst is a major indicator of abnormal sugar levels. When the sugar levels in the bloodstream are high, it leads to frequent urination and dehydration which may result in dryness of the mouth and a sense of constantly feeling parched. In some cases, this symptom may also be accompanied with swollen or bleeding gums due to nerve damage caused by excess sugar.

• Dark and patchy skin: The sudden dark patches appearing on your skin are often an early symptom of high sugar levels or pre-diabetes. A lot of young adults tend to dismiss this factor by blaming the sun, pollution, weather conditions and a host of different reasons. However, dark patches, especially around the neck, elbows, and knees tend to be a result of excess blood sugar or hormonal imbalance and should be rectified at the earliest.

• Social withdrawal and behavioural change: Do you find yourself moody and irritable? Or the constant feeling of fatigue making you snappy and low? A lot of times, these factors are accompanied with a sense of social withdrawal where people don’t want to step out of their house because they are just tired and low on energy. Well, the good news is that you probably haven’t lost your social groove but unfortunately it may be time to recheck your sugar levels. Fluctuating sugar levels can take a huge toll on your body leaving you tired, moody and feeling a little depressed. However, the instant your levels get back on track, so will your emotional health and energy.

• Insomniac tendencies: Finding yourself staying up each night without any reason is another symptom of elevated sugar levels. If the phrase, ‘early to bed, early to rise’ phenomenon seems a mystery to you, it may be time to check your sugar levels! This is because elevated sugar levels can affect your metabolism, hormonal balance and nervous system, all of which can impact sleep. Further, the more disrupted your sleep, the higher is the chance of your pre-diabetes turning into diabetes. So, if you aren’t getting your share of snooze at night, you may be suffering from an undiagnosed case of pre-diabetes.

• Sexual dysfunction: An often unknown and embarrassing symptom for many, sexual dysfunction is another symptom of elevated blood sugar levels or pre-diabetes. While this is found commonly in people with diabetes, if high sugar levels stay undiagnosed for a long time, as is often witnessed with pre-diabetes, it can lead to nerve damage and problems in the genital area, making sex uncomfortable.

Along with these, it is also essential to keep a watch for common pre-diabetes symptoms and risk factors as indicated below:

• Family history: In a family where either or both parents have a diabetic diagnosis or any of the siblings have been detected with high sugar levels, the risk increases making a regular screening essential.
• Expanded waist size: As the area around the abdomen increases, the body’s ability to metabolise sugar decreases, thus increasing the risk for pre-diabetes in people that are obese. A waist size of 35 inches or more in a woman and 40 inches or more in a man is a serious concern for blood sugar levels and puts one in a risk category for pre-diabetes.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Decreased physical activity levels are also a major reason for elevated sugar levels as the body doesn’t utilise enough energy causing the sugar to stay in the bloodstream.
• Junk food consumption: Increased consumption of processed and junk food that are extremely high in sugar, salt and fat, along with irregular meal times, can also elevate sugar levels.

Thus, we can see that there are certain warning signs of pre-diabetes or high sugar levels, even though one may not commonly associate them with this condition. Visiting a Doctor on experiencing these symptoms and making guided lifestyle and diet changes in time can go a long way in reversing your pre-diabetes and preventing diabetes.

To #ReversePrediabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893

9 exclusive exercise tips for Prediabetics

A sedentary lifestyle with minimal activity has become one of the leading factors for the rise of pre-diabetes and diabetes in India. Individuals can be found sitting for a large part of the day, be it at work, home or even during a social gathering. Further, when it comes to the gym or maintaining an exercise routine, no one seems to have time in the day.

Well, if you are someone who is generally sedentary and has been classified as pre-diabetic, do not worry. We bring you exclusive exercise tips that can help you start your exercise routine in a healthy and effective manner to correctly beat pre-diabetes and possibly even reverse it!

1. Start small

For someone who hasn’t been active for a while, starting an intense exercise routine suddenly is surely going to have a negative impact. You don’t have to run at a high speed or a long distance on your first day. It’s ok to start with 10 minutes and build up your intensity as you move along.

2. Always do your warm-up and cool-down stretches

A common mistake made by people is jumping into the exercise routine without an adequate warm-up. This is essential as it warms up your muscles and prepares your body for the main exercise. Additionally, it helps the heart rate build and slow down in a healthy manner, which is essential in pre-diabetes as high sugar levels add to heart risk.

3. Go for a walk

Walking is among the most recommended exercise for pre-diabetics as it can be done by anyone, even beginners, at any time and with low risk of injury. Research studies indicate that even thirty minutes of brisk walking, thrice a can help lower blood sugar levels and improve overall fitness.

4. Add some yoga

This ancient form of exercise is perfect for everyone and especially for people with a hormonal imbalance or elevated sugar levels. The yoga asanas offer complete body movements in a gentle manner and help improve sugar metabolism, nerve function, heart function and overall fitness, all of which are essential with pre-diabetes.

5. Jazz up your routine with aerobics and dance

It is also important for people with pre-diabetes to do some intense exercises 3 times a week to get the heart pumping and improve sugar metabolism. It improves blood sugar and helps fight stress while burning away a good amount of calories.

6. Power on with strength-training

Elevated sugar levels can affect your muscle strength and nervous system over time. This is why people with pre-diabetics are advised to include some strength training exercises that keep the joints and muscles strong. In addition, these exercises increase the need for energy by the muscles thereby promoting increased conversion of sugar into energy.

7. Don’t push yourself too hard

Keep in mind that when you start your exercise routine, there are going to be days your body feels sore or days you can’t do much. Don’t push yourself too hard when you are uncomfortable but listen to your body and adapt your routine for the day accordingly.

8. Carry a snack

In case you feel that your blood sugar levels are fluctuating during your workout routine leading to dizziness or low energy, carry a snack like a fruit or crackers to counter low sugar levels.

9. Reward yourself

A little motivation can go a long way in motivating you to stay on track with your exercise regime. Each time you achieve a goal, reward yourself with something fun.

These exercise tips are just supplementary to get your sugar levels in control, but  it is recommended to get a timely diagnosis and treatment from a Diabetologist, as Prediabetes with proper treatment and lifestyle changes can be reversed.

To #ReversePrediabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com

Call 1800 3000 1893

Don’t ignore these 5 lesser known signs of Prediabetes

Pre-diabetes has become a raging concern in India with an increasing number of cases being diagnosed. 60% of Prediabetics go on to develop Diabetes.

In addition, common symptoms like increased thirst and urination, increased hunger and blurry vision, may have become well known, but it is important to note that these symptoms do not arise overnight, but tend to build up gradually. Further, there are some additional symptoms that may be indicative of high blood sugar, which one would not even think to associate with pre-diabetes.

This could be a major reason why a majority of pre-diabetes cases are still undiagnosed. Here we bring you some of the lesser known symptoms of pre-diabetes that can help you with a timely diagnosis and better management of this condition.

Your vision seems to be changing

You may have heard that blurry vision is a sign of blood sugar levels being higher than normal, but did you know that a sudden improvement in your vision can also indicate abnormal sugar levels? According to research studies, high sugar levels can lead to movement in the bodily fluids including the eyes. This can lead to changes in the vision which may be blurry or more defined. However, the instant you observe any sudden changes in your eyesight, it is advisable to go in for a consultation.

UTI seems to be a frequent occurrence

UTI or Urinary Tract Infection can also be a symptom of elevated sugar levels. Especially if this condition becomes a recurrent concern, doctors advise to instantly check blood glucose levels. When sugar levels in the blood and urine are high, the genitals are more prone to bacterial and yeast infections, upping the risk for UTI.

Skin is constantly itchy

A skin condition is clearly a dermatological issue right, how can it relate to blood sugar? This is a common thought as a large number of people are still unaware of the connection of sugar levels and skin health. High sugar levels can slow down the blood and oxygen circulation in the body, leading to an increase in itchiness especially around the hands, feet and genital areas. If you notice any rashes or experience constant itchiness which doesn’t seem to subside after a couple of days, it may be time to check your sugar levels.

Your TV volume is louder than before

One of the least known symptoms of pre-diabetes is often changes in hearing levels. Without realising you may find yourself talking louder so as to encourage people to talk back at a louder volume. The volume of your music station may be set a little higher than before cause your hearing isn’t as good. In a country as noisy as India, it is easy to attribute this to external sounds. However, it may also be a sign of high blood sugar which can damage the nerves of the inner ear, affecting your ability to hear.

Sleep comes with loud snores

Yes, if you find your partner suddenly complaining about your loud snoring (something you swear you don’t do), it may be time to check your sugar levels. A large number of people with higher sugar levels than normal also develop a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea which leads to disturbed sleep, snoring and often tiredness during the day.

So while it is advisable to look out for common pre-diabetes symptoms, it is essential not to ignore any of the above-mentioned signs either as enable timely diagnosis, it is recommended to get a timely diagnosis and treatment from a Diabetologist, as Prediabetes with proper treatment and lifestyle changes can be reversed.

To #ReversePrediabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com
Call 1800 3000 1893

How can a pre-diabetic, prevent diabetes?

So you got your blood test results today and you were told that your blood sugar levels were higher than normal but not high enough to be a diabetic. The doctor classified your diagnosis as pre-diabetes. Some may panic thinking it’s going to turn into diabetes and some may just dismiss it as nothing important. However, pre-diabetes is a serious condition that requires simple lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes. If left ignored, pre-diabetes can turn into full blown diabetes in a few years.

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are at a borderline high, but just short of being diabetes. At this stage, the body is capable of producing the insulin hormone but may not be processing t well. Main reasons for pre-diabetes are unhealthy food and sedentary lifestyle. Making simple changes in your lifestyle today can help you delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes. Generally the pre-diabetic range of blood sugar levels is

• Above 100 mg/dL but lower than 126 mg/dL for a fasting blood test
• Above 140 mg/dL but lower than 200 mg/dL for an after meal blood test
• 5.7% to 6.4% for HbA1c levels

How can I reverse my condition?

Diabetes and pre-diabetes are largely lifestyle based diseases. Introducing a healthy lifestyle and warding off some bad habits can significantly help control your blood sugar levels and avoid other complications associated with this condition. Here are some simple lifestyle tips to reverse your pre-diabetic condition:

• Lose weight: Obesity or excess weight, particularly around the abdomen is a major factor for high blood sugar. The higher the fat around the abdomen, the lesser is the ability of the body to process insulin. Even loosing 5 kgs can impact your blood sugar levels instantly. So work towards getting your weight in the normal range. Start with some gentle exercises and be careful of what you eat.
• Get more active: Physical activity is essential to regulate blood glucose levels. It is only when the body is active that energy is used and prevented from turning into fat. This is also a great way to lose excess fat and keep your weight in check. Introduce some form of exercise in your daily routine. It does not always have to be hours spend at the gym, instead you can go for a walk, do some yoga or even some light aerobic exercises. Do whatever you enjoy for at least 30 mins, 5 days a week. Also, be more active through the day. Get up and stretch every half hour, or walk around after sitting for too long. Every bit helps.
• Eat right: No matter how many hours you spend on the treadmill, if you don’t make changes in the kitchen, it won’t help. You cannot come from your workout and have a pizza and expect blood sugar levels to fall. Eating healthy meals with nutritious vegetables is a must to control glucose levels. Leave the processed flour and white bread, and choose wholegrain and other high-fiber foods. Also, snacking on chips and other packets is terrible as they are loaded with hidden sugars. Instead take a bowl of fresh fruits or some nuts. If you do want to have chips, take a small serving in a bowl and do not sit with the entire pack.
• Leave the all-nighters: Lack of sleep and not sleeping at night can create havoc for blood sugar levels. When the body doesn’t get its required rest period, it becomes tougher to process insulin, increasing the risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Also, lack of sleep has been known to interfere with weight loss. So be sure to go to sleep at a decent hour and give your body the rest it needs to be healthy.

Adopt these simple changes as part of your lifestyle and you will see positive changes in your blood glucose levels. Also, you will feel better and be healthier overall. Be sure to check in with your doctor as and when required for confirmation that you’re hard work is being channelled in the right direction. After all, every bit of positive reinforcement is great for motivation!

For Full Care of #Prediabetes,

Visit www.lifespanindia.com
Call 1800 3000 1893

Are Diabetics at risk of Hypertension?

Diabetes in itself is quite a serious disease. High blood sugar levels in the blood can cause severe complications in the body. Further, it also increases the risk for other conditions, one of which is hypertension (high blood pressure). In fact, according to the International journal of Hypertension about 50% of diabetic individuals have hypertension in India. While each of these put an individual at risk for other illnesses together they significantly increase one’s health risk, especially for heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Relation between Diabetes and Hypertension

High blood sugar levels in the blood can overtime damage cells, narrow arteries and damage them. This leads to poor blood circulation and causes blood to be pumped at a higher force resulting in hypertension. Also, if the damage to these arteries and blood vessels is not corrected in time, it can lead to heart problems, stroke, kidney damage and even brain/nerve problems.

Another reason for the link between diabetes and hypertension can be a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. A diet rich in junk and processed food, lack of physical activity and obesity can cause either of the diseases and increase the risk for the other. Thus while for healthy people, a blood pressure reading of 140/90 is considered acceptable, diabetics are advised to maintain a level of below 135/80.

Keep in mind that there are generally no symptoms for high blood pressure. Most people with diabetes don’t even realise that their blood pressure is at the higher end and so it can go undiagnosed for a long time. Thus, it is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly and at every doctor’s visit.

Are there additional risk factors for Hypertension?

People with diabetes can be at an increased risk for hypertension if they also include the following:

• A high-sodium diet
• Consumption of packaged and junk food.
• High stress levels
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Obesity or excess weight especially around the abdomen

As a diabetic, can I prevent hypertension?

Yes absolutely! People with diabetes are at a risk for hypertension if they do not maintain their sugar levels and lead an unhealthy lifestyle. However, if you are careful with your diet, maintain normal glucose levels and exercise regularly, you can keep hypertension and other complications at bay.

Here are some simple and effective Lifestyle tips that help prevent Hypertension in diabetics:

• Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat less packaged foods like chips which are high in sodium
• Avoid sprinkling additional salt on your food at the table
• Maintain healthy blood sugar levels
• Opt for baked goods over fried foods
• Choose whole grain foods over processed foods
• Do some form of physical activity for 30 mins every day
• Keep your weight within a healthy range
• Eliminate smoking and alcohol

In many instances, people with diabetes can improve their blood sugar levels and eliminate hypertension with a healthy lifestyle. However, in some cases additional medication may be required.

Note: Only take medicines as advised by your health care professional. Certain blood pressure medicines can worsen blood sugar levels and should be avoided by people with diabetes.

Adopt these simple changes as part of your lifestyle and you will see positive changes in your blood glucose levels. Also, you will feel better and be healthier overall. Be sure to check in with your doctor as and when required for confirmation that you’re hard work is being channelled in the right direction. After all, every bit of positive reinforcement is great for motivation!

#WinOverDiabetes
For Full Care of Diabetes,
Visit www.lifespanindia.com
Call 1800 3000 1893

Are Diabetics at an increased risk for Thyroid disease?

Living in the diabetic capital of the world, we are well aware of some of the common dangers of this disease. High blood sugar levels over time can lead to heart problem, nerve problems and even kidney damage. But did you know that people with diabetes, especially Type 1 are at an added risk for thyroid disorder too? While almost 7% of general population is said to be affected by some kind of thyroid disease, this value is over 10% for people with diabetes.

Diabetes and Thyroid Disease

Just like diabetes is a hormonal condition caused by insufficient levels of the insulin hormone, thyroid disease is caused by abnormal levels of the thyroid hormone. Keep in mind that the thyroid gland is responsible for regulating several important processes such as metabolism, growth, energy conversion and development. An imbalance in thyroid hormones can lead to several health problems including blood glucose.

Now while diabetes does not directly cause thyroid disease, it does increase its risk factor. In cases where diabetes is not properly managed, especially Type 1 diabetes, it can lead to an autoimmune disorder which in turn leads to thyroid disease. In an autoimmune disease, the body is attacked by its own immunesystem making it more susceptible to other autoimmune disorders.

Obesity or excess weight gain is another factor that is found common with diabetes and hypothyroidism. For people with diabetes maintaining a healthy weight is crucial not only for effective diabetic treatment but also to eliminate other diseases.

There are two forms of thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism (a thyroid disease where thyroid hormones are low) and hyperthyroidism (where thyroid hormones are produced in excess).

a) Diabetes and hypothyroidism

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid hormones are insufficient which lower the metabolism rate. This can cause insulin to be processed at a slower rate hence insulin remains in the blood stream for a longer duration which may lead to low blood sugar. As hypothyroidism affects the way in which energy/ insulin is processed, it may lead to changes in blood glucose levels. Further, hypothyroidism increases the risk for high cholesterol levels which in combination with diabetescan significantly increase the risk for heart problems.

Further, fatigue and weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. This in turn may worsen diabetes. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for hypothyroidism and should monitor their thyroid levels regularly.

b) Diabetes and hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where thyroid hormones are produced in excess. In people with diabetes, this condition may lead to elevated blood sugar levels which can worsen diabetes treatment. High levels of thyroid hormone lead to increased glucose levels in the liver and this increased insulin resistance. Further, hyperthyroidism may lead to rapid heartbeat and palpitations which in combination with diabetes can place additional stress on the heart.

Thus we see that while thyroid disorders don’t impact blood glucose levels directly, their impact on the body’s metabolism and energy can alter blood sugar levels and impact diabetes. To prevent or control thyroid disease it is essential to monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly. A simple blood test for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) can check if your thyroid levels are normal.

#WinOverDiabetes
For Full Care of Diabetes,
Visit www.lifespanindia.com
Call 1800 3000 1893