Diabetes & Lifestyle Care

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes (commonly called “sugar”) is a long-term condition in which blood glucose levels stay higher than normal, because the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is strongly linked to lifestyle and family history. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that always requires insulin. Diabetes can also develop during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

Symptoms & General Information

Many people have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screening matters. Possible symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unusual tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections
• Tingling or numbness in the feet
• Unexplained weight loss

Causes & Risk Factors

• Family history of diabetes
• Excess body weight, especially around the waist
• Physical inactivity and long sitting hours
• Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods
• High blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol
• Age over 30–35 years (South Asians are at risk at a younger age)
• Poor sleep and chronic stress

Diagnosis & Medical Care

Diabetes is diagnosed by blood tests such as fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c or an oral glucose tolerance test, interpreted by a doctor. Commonly used thresholds are a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher, or an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher, confirmed by repeat testing.

Medical treatment may include tablets, insulin and regular checks of blood glucose, HbA1c, kidneys, eyes, feet, blood pressure and cholesterol. These checks help prevent complications and should continue alongside any wellness programme.

Lifestyle Management

Lifestyle change is one of the most powerful tools in type 2 diabetes care, and it supports — not replaces — medical treatment.

Yoga & Relaxation

Regular yoga — gentle asanas, breathing practices and relaxation — can support physical activity, flexibility, stress management and sleep. Research suggests yoga may help with blood-glucose control as part of overall lifestyle care. Practices are adapted for people with nerve damage, eye problems or heart disease.

Supportive Wellness Practices at Our Centre

• Yoga Therapy — an individualised routine you can follow at home
• Prakritik Chikitsa (Naturopathy) — practical diet, sleep and routine guidance
• Stress-management and relaxation practices
• Regular follow-up to keep you motivated

Importance of Medical Monitoring

Keep a record of your blood-glucose readings and share them with your doctor regularly. If your activity or diet changes, your medicine needs may change too — your treating doctor should make those decisions.

Safety Precautions

• Know the signs of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion) — keep glucose tablets or sugar handy, especially when exercising
• Do not fast or follow very low-calorie diets without medical supervision
• Check your feet daily; people with reduced sensation should avoid hot applications on the feet
• Seek urgent care for very high readings with vomiting, drowsiness or confusion

Frequently Asked Questions