Being diagnosed with Diabetes does not mean an end to enjoying life to its fullest. Dr Shubhada Bhide shares her experience of ensuring her quality of life by successfully controlling Diabetes before it could overshadow her health and happiness
Name: Dr Shubhada Bhide
Age: 73 years
Profession: Consultant Dentist
The journey so far
I am a practising Dentist with a practise of over 40 years in Mumbai. My daily schedule has always lacked constancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with every changing time table takes conscious effort.
Impact of the diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Diabetes 15 years ago. It began with a skin infection and the follow up testing showed that my blood glucose levels had rocketed to 275 mg/DL. This surprised me as I had been careful with my diet. But this did not come as a shock. There is a high genetic predisposition for Diabetes in my maternal family. Quite a few of them have passed away due to resulting complications. All my cousins had been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Being aware of this fact has made me pay greater attention to my health. I visited a diabetologist in Mumbai. He advised further investigation lipid test and Hba1c which turned out to be 9 per cent.
Adapting my lifestyle
My diabetologist provided me with a diet chart which I have followed strictly ever since. I was put on a drug regime of metformin 500 bd. This dosage was later modified to metformin SR 500 BD. I keep in touch with my diabetologist regularly who alters the dosage if necessary. I have never needed to take insulin as I have maintained my Hba1c around 6.5 ever since. My blood pressure is
around 125 by 90 and I do not require any medicine to regulate it.
I regularly keep a watch on my blood glucose levels. My schedule for which is as follows: On Monday and Friday I check my fasting levels. On Tuesday and Thursday, I check the post prandial levels (post lunch) and on Saturday I check the post prandial level (post dinner). I maintain a diary wherein I have recorded every blood glucose level reading since my diagnosis.
My exercise routine
I walk for 45-60 minutes and have reduced my weight by 10 kgs in the first-year post diagnosis. I wear wide toed shoes everyday as it reduces the chance of foot related complications. I swim every day for an hour in the evening.
My diet
I modified my diet as per the diet chart provided to me. I strictly follow the diet chart and eat small meals every two hours. This has helped me maintain my Hba1c level at around 6.
At six in the morning, I have a cup of green tea. After a while I have one medium sized fruit or two biscuits. My lunch consists of one chappati, a bowl of vegetables followed by a small bowl of rice with dal and a bowl of salad. Around four in the afternoon, I have tea with three biscuits or two khakras. At around six, I have a medium sized fruit. My dinner which is around nine is the same as my lunch.
I have been advised to avoid banana, chickoo and mango. I have been a vegetarian all my life. I do not like to eat sweets and this made eating healthy meals easier. When I do eat sweets, I always eat them in limited portions.
My friends and family
I openly discuss that I have Diabetes. I feel it helps generate awareness. If I can successfully control my blood glucose levels then so can others. I stress that I have ensured that Diabetes does not affect my work life.
Word of advice
- Carefully control your diet. It is as important as taking your medicines
regularly and on time.
- It is important to check your Hba1c every six months.
- Keep a track of your test results and make it a point to tell your doctor regarding any variations.
- Burn more calories than you
- Regularly get your eyes, blood pressure and kidney functioning checked.
- Take care of your feet and treat any injury with utmost care to avoid the onset of infection.
I continue to lead an active life. My husband and I love to travel and as my Diabetes is under control, I have the freedom to enjoy my life to the utmost.
