FAQs on Endocrinology or Diabetes

Q- What you should do.

Ans-Each day :

• Check your blood glucose - ask your healthcare provider how often and the best times of
• day to check.
• Examine your feet and toenails for any wounds.
• Be physically active each day.
• Take aspirin if your doctor has suggested it.

2-4 times each year :

• Have your HbA1c checked by your doctor or healthcare provider.

At least once a year :

• Visit your doctor to discuss goals for the care of your diabetes.
• Visit your dentist for a regular check-up.
• Get a flu shot to prevent complications from illness.
• Have your doctor check your blood pressure and discuss the results with you.
• Have a dilated eye exam.

Q- Gestational diabetes

Ans- Gestational diabetes (GDM)  is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes usually is detected between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

It may be comforting for you to know that the condition can be easily managed.

You should speak to your doctor regarding your medical, nutritional & fitness goals that

will help you take control of gestational diabetes and decrease the risk of complications.

Diagnosis: Shortly after your pregnancy is confirmed,your doctor will arrange for you to

have an Oral Glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if you are at risk of having diabetes.You may be

at risk of having GDM if:you have a previous history of GDM, have had a large baby,

there is a persistence of glucose in your urine,have a familY history of diabetes or you are

 overweight.

The OGTT is usually performed at approximately 28 weeks of 

In case your sugars are not under controlconsistently:

• The baby can be larger in size which can lead to complications during delivery.
• Pre mature delivery or still birth or birth hypoxia.
• Post delivery, baby can have low sugars that need immediate attention or else it can be life
•  threatening.
• Mother may suffer from pre-eclampsia.

Q- Know your insulin pump.

Ans- Insulin pumps are small, portable devices used to deliver insulin under the skin 

via a canula. Insulin pumps are usually placed in pouches, pockets, belts and their

 features vary considerably. All contain a disposable cartridge inside the unit and deliver

 insulin in two ways: "basal" or background insulin that is delivered every few minutes

 and "bolus" insulin that is delivered when meals are eaten or to correct high blood sugars.

A canula is inserted under the skin and worn at all times when an insulin pump is in use.

 The canula is changed every 2-3 days or if the site goes "bad" and no longer properly works

 for insulin doses. Canulas may be worn anywhere where insulin can be injected such as 

on the stomach, thighs, buttocks and fleshy areas of the arm.

Advantages of insulin pump :

• It delivers better blood sugar control as it can imitate your pancreas the closest out
•  of all the
•  insulin modes.
• With insulin pump your frequency of pricking also limits majorly (once in 3 days).
• You get more flexibility to eat yourfavorite food items occasionally as your pump has a lot of
•  other wizard features to assist you in better bloodglucose control.
• A decreased risk of dangerously low sugars.
• No unpredictable effects from long or intermediate acting insulin as it uses only rapid
•  acting insulin.
• It has the ability to accurately dose even the tiny amount of insulin.
• It is a precise consistent way to deliver a basal rate of insulin.
• It has the ability to program variable insulin rates throughout the day based on your
•  sugar readings