Insulin is a hormone normally produced in the human body. It is absolutely essential for survival. In some diabetic patients, we can use some tablets orally to stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin or to increase the efficiency of the existing insulin. But there are so many patients with diabetes who require insulin treatment to normalize their blood sugar values. Earlier you start insulin the better. Please remember, if you are among those who did not obey your doctor's order and did not start insulin at the right time or started insulin very late, be prepared to face disastrous consequences in the eye, kidney, nerves, heart etc.

Ans:- I very well understand your situation. I am sorry that you have a high blood sugar value and some complications of diabetes. It is only because you are physically still very active that keeps you in good spirits. There is no scientific data for me to support or negate the use of some roots and leaves. My sincere request will be to consult a doctor and consider taking Insulin injections, if that is his advise, since you have a painful Peripheral Neuropathy, it can progress, but diabetes can be more cruel when age advances. Be optimistic and consult a good doctor. The present scientifically proven treatment modalities available for diabetes, can keep you very healthy and charming even when you are eighty five years old.

Que:- I am a 40 year old College lecturer very active and healthy. 4 months back I had a difficulty in vision and consulted an Ophthalmologist. My vision got corrected with a pair of spectacles. A month later I had itching on my genitalia and consulted a physician. He ordered for blood sugar estimation and the value was alarming, above 400mg%; still I did not have tiredness or increased appetite. With medications my blood sugar value came down. But surprisingly my vision again went wrong and I consulted another ophthalmologist . He said that the power has changed. I had to again go for another pair of glasses. Does it mean that my power will go on changing like this? Is it due to diabetes?

Ans:- Its a good question and there are two important messages hidden within the question. One is the occurrence of Diabetes without overt symptoms. It is quite common and that is exactly why, it is recommended that healthy people should screen for early detection of Diabetes before complications occur in other organs.

Unfortunately Diabetes is diagnosed after approximately 5 to 7 years of its occurrence. Fluctuations in the blood sugar value will have an adverse effect on the vision. The human lens being composed of proteinacious material will get altered, when the blood sugar raises. A diabetic patient should go for a new pair of lenses only after properly controlling the blood sugar value. In this case, he may not even require glasses since the vision was normal before the disease.

Cataract and Retinopathy are the prominent characteristics of long standing Diabetes. All Diabetic patients require an yearly consultation by an ophthalmologist.

(At University college grounds- 2000 diabetes public education programme organised by "FAITH"- (Shabeer, Arun) Undergraduate medical students organisation)