A Comprehensive Guide to Diabetes Mellitus—Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment


About Diabetes Mellitus—Introduction


When the blood sugar(glucose) is too high, that condition is called Diabetes. This condition mainly arises when the pancreatic gland is unable to produce the required amount of insulin. In some cases, the pancreas might generate insulin, but the body is unable to effectively utilise it. In most cases, the patients have to take lifelong care and manage diabetes with medication and most crucially by changing their lifestyle. The main source of glucose is the food that we consume, i.e., the carbohydrates that are there in our food.

Blood is the main carrier of glucose which transmits it to each and every cell of the body. The glucose can enter the cell only when it is accompanied by a hormone called insulin. In patients with diabetes due to insufficient insulin or due to the body’s inability to utilise the insulin properly, glucose is not absorbed into the cells. The result is that the glucose remains in the blood stream, which makes the person diabetic which means that there are high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar should always be regulated otherwise, in the long-term, the patient suffers from its side-effects, which mainly include heart disease, nerve damage and eye issues. The medical name for high blood sugar is diabetes mellitus.

At Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad, under the expertise of Dr. Nithin Annarapu, we provide comprehensive diabetes care, from early diagnosis to advanced treatment options, effective management and well-being. Early intervention and lifestyle changes can help prevent complications and maintain a better quality of life.

Are there more than one type of diabetes?


Diabetes is a common term used for high levels of blood sugar, but there are various types of diabetes listed as below:
  • Type 2 diabetes: this is the most common type of diabetes seen in adults where in the body either does not produce the required amount of insulin or due to insulin resistance the body’s cells are not responding normally to insulin. The patient generally does not directly go to type 2 diabetes. They go through a stage called pre-diabetes. Here, also, the blood glucose levels are high, but not high enough to categories as diabetes.
  • Type 1 diabetes: Only 10% of diabetics are affected by type one since it is usually found in children and young adults. The body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas for unknown reasons. Hence, type diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
  • Gestational diabetes: some women during their pregnancy developed diabetes, and it is called gestational diabetes. For most of them, their sugar levels come back to normal after the pregnancy. Women who develop gestational diabetes should be careful because there are chances that later on in their life, they might be prone to type 2 diabetes.

A patient suffering from any one of the above mentioned diabetics should focus on lifestyle management, which means diabetic friendly diet and exercise. Expert doctors at Isha speciality clinic will analyse your condition and prescribe medication if necessary to prevent complications.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?


The general symptoms of diabetes are as follows:
  • Increased thirst (polydipsia) and dry mouth.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Fatigue.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
  • Slow-healing sores or cuts.
  • Frequent skin and/or vaginal yeast infections.

It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child has these symptoms. Our top class specialists at Isha Speciality Clinics diagnose, treat and manage diabetes keeping the patient in mind and in particular their age, weight and lifestyle habits.

When should I consult an expert for Diabetes Mellitus ?


Since the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus develop gradually. Due to lack of early testing many do not realise it in the pre-diabteic stage. So here we are providing information regarding the early signs to consult a doctor. Early treatment is crucial to prevent long-term health risks like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems.
  • The first symptoms that are a warning are frequent urination
  • Are you often feeling tired and easily getting fatigued?
  • Do you experience extreme thirst or hunger?
  • Are your wounds healing slowly?
  • Has your vision blurred?
  • Are you losing weight suddenly without any effort on your part to lose weight?.
  • Do you have a family history of diabetes?

If your answer is yes to one or many of the above questions then seek medical advice immediately.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus


For any type of diabetes there is excess blood sugar in your bloodstream. The various reasons for this increase in blood sugar levels are:
  • Insulin resistance: This is the main cause of Type 2 diabetes which means when cells in your muscles, fat and liver are not responding to insulin properly. Obesity, lack of physical activity, diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics and certain medications can lead to insulin resistance.
  • Autoimmune disease: When your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas it leads to Type-1 diabetes.
  • Hormonal imbalances: The placenta releases hormones that cause insulin resistance during pregnancy. So the pancreas has to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance and if it fails it causes gestational diabetes.
  • Pancreatic damage: Due to a surgery or injury if the pancreas is damaged it impacts the insulin production.
  • Genetics: If there is a history of diabetes in the family there is a chance that the children may inherit it.

Lifestyle reasons:

  • Obesity especially with excess abdominal fat.
  • Physical inactivity
  • Unhealthy diet full of fat and simple carbohydrates
  • Continuous stress,
  • No proper sleep.

What Are the Tests to Diagnose Diabetes Mellitus?


The main tests are blood tests but urine tests are also done. The main tests include:
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: The test measures the blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours. No food and drinks should be consumed in these 8 hours except for water.
    • Non-diabetic if the value is <100 mg/dL
    • Prediabetic if the value is in the range of 100–125 mg/dL
    • Diabetic if the value is ≥126 mg/dL after two rounds of testing.
  • Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Blood samples are collected before and 2 hours after drinking water mixed with 75 grams of glucose.
    • Non-diabetic if the value is <140 mg/dL after 2 hours
    • Prediabetic if the value is in the range of 140–199 mg/dL
    • Diabetic if the value is ≥200 mg/dL after 2 hours
  • Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: This test measures the average blood sugar for the past 3 months.
    • Non-diabetic if the value is <5.7%
    • Prediabetic if the value is in the range of 5.7–6.4%
    • Diabetic if the value is ≥6.5% on two consecutive tests
  • Random Plasma Glucose (RP) Test: As the name suggests, blood sugar levels are measured randomly during any part of the day irrespective of the food last consumed.
    • Diabetic if the value is ≥200 mg/dL and the patient is experiencing other symptoms of diabetes.
  • Urine analysis: A urine sample is collected to check for the presence of glucose levels in the urine.

Most of the people undergo these tests only on the recommendation of a Healthcare professional. However if you have a family history or leading a sedentary lifestyle and are obese it is better to get these tests done proactively.

Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus


Diabetes Mellitus, especially Type 2, is influenced by several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Understanding these helps in early detection, prevention, and management.

Major Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

  • If an immediate family member is suffering with diabetes
  • Women who had diabetes during pregnancy
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • People with more abdominal fat.
  • People who do not exercise.
  • Those who consume food rich in refined carbs, sugar, saturated fats, and low fiber.
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension i.e. BP ≥140/90 mm.
  • Low HDL – good cholesterol or high triglycerides.
  • Smoking causes insulin resistance.
  • Existing Autoimmune disorders
  • Family history of Type 1 diabetes

Can I prevent Diabetes Mellitus?


Yes you can !!!
  • Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to control diabetes.
  • For at least 30 minutes a day, practicing physical activity. You could try brisk walking, jogging, or yoga. Physical activity helps in improving insulin sensitivity thus regulating blood sugar levels.
  • A balanced diet rich in fiber, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should become your new normal. At the same time, cut down on processed foods, refined sugars, and excess carbohydrates.
  • Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels regularly.
  • Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake. If you are unable to do this by yourself you can take help of an expert or contact de-addiction centres.

What happens if Diabetes Mellitus is left uncontrolled?


If Diabetes Mellitus is left uncontrolled, meaning consistently high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) over time, it can lead to serious short-term and long-term complications—affecting almost every system in the body.
  • Eye related issues such as cataract and glaucoma.
  • Chronic kidney diseases.
  • Numbness, tingling, burning pain in the hands and legs.
  • Diabetics are 2–4x higher risk of heart disease.
  • Reduced blood flow to the lower part of the body especially limbs.
  • Diabetic foot which can become gangrene.
  • Slow wound healing leading to increased infection risk.
  • Regular infections of the skin, urinary tract, gums

Treatment Options for Diabetes Mellitus at Isha Speciality Clinics


Dr.Nithin at Isha speciality clinic gives utmost importance to early screening and diagnosis. Although being a cardiologist Dr Nitin gives excellent treatment for diabetes because uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious heart complications. He takes a patient centric approach where personalized treatment plants are recommended for every patient based on the type of diabetes they have and their lifestyle. First Lifestyle modification is suggested and if the patient shows no improvement then only medication and insulin therapy are started.

Below are the core treatment methodologies to cure Diabetes:
  • The first step is to start eating a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be part of your diet.
  • 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.
  • Even a mere 10% of reduction in weight can reduce blood sugar levels.
  • Metformin medication is common for Type 2 diabetes.
  • If other treatments aren’t enough insulin is administered as injections.
  • At home itself you can monitor your blood sugar regularly.
  • Make sure you have a regular appointment with your health care provider and follow up with them.
  • There are many authentic support groups which you can join for motivation and also for educating yourself. These groups will help you during challenging times and you can also share your journey there.
  • Foot care is very important. Always make sure that your feet are clean and moist and be on the look out for any cuts or wounds.

How prevalent is Diabetes?


  • As per the data collected by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for 2025, roughly 1 in every 9 adults are diabetic worldwide. This means in the age group of 20-79 a total of 589 million adults are living with diabetes world wide. [1] According to Diabetes Atlas this number could reach to 853 million by 2050 which means one in every 8 adults will be diabetic. [1]
  • In India among the age group of 20-79 there are 89.8 million adults living with diabetes in 2024. This is 10.5% of adult Indians. [2]

[1]Data by indicator – Diabetes Atlas
[2] https://diabetesatlas.org/data-by-location/country/india/

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care.

When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. Dr. Nithin Annarapu practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is an expert in Child Nutrition and has 13 yrs of clinical experience in treating children from infancy to adolescence. Dr.Swathy is specialised in child nutrition and growth monitoring and all pediatric treatments. An alumnus of Osmania Medical College (MBBS, 2007) and Niloufer Hospital (MD Pediatrics, 2012), Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in newborn and infant care, immunization, growth and development monitoring, preterm baby management, and childhood overweight management. Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

For guidance and check-ups, call 96760 70203 today. Our expert cardiologists at Isha Specialty Clinic will guide you with personalized heart care plans.

For expert heart care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Isha Heart Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 70203. Book an appointment today for expert heart care!

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