Diabetes- The Silent Killer
Decoding Diabetes: A Conversation with Dr. Anirban Basu
Diabetes is often called a “Silent Killer,” a term that sounds frightening but is medically accurate. It creeps up on you, often without loud symptoms, until it has already settled into your system. To break down this complex condition, Dr. Anirban Basu, a Senior Physician and Diabetologist at Eskag Sanjeevani Hospitals (Baranagar Unit), sat down for an in-depth discussion with host Aparajita.
From understanding the genetic triggers in Indians to the latest wearable technology for monitoring blood sugar, here is the essence of their conversation.
The Basics: Type 1 vs. Type 2
The interview began with the fundamental question: What is the difference between the two main types of diabetes?
Dr. Basu explained that while we broadly categorize them, the mechanisms are quite different:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This is primarily insulin-dependent. In these cases, often due to genetic reasons, the body simply does not produce insulin. It usually strikes at a younger age. These patients need insulin support from the very beginning to survive.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Previously known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, this is the most common form. Here, the body might produce insulin, but it’s either not enough or the body cannot use it effectively (insulin resistance).
The Warning Signs: It’s Not Just About Thirst
How do you know if you are at risk? Dr. Basu highlighted the classic “3 Ps” of diabetes symptoms:
- Polyuria: Frequent urge to urinate.
- Polydipsia: Excessive thirst (dry mouth despite drinking water).
- Polyphagia: Excessive hunger.
But the doctor also pointed out lesser-known physical signs that many people miss:
- Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin around the neck or armpits (Acanthosis Nigricans).
- Skin Tags: Small, soft growths of skin, often appearing in the armpits.
- Central Obesity: An expanding waistline where fat accumulates around the belly.
- Fatigue & Muscle Loss: Unexplained tiredness or thinning of muscles.
For Parents: Dr. Basu noted a specific red flag in children. “If a child is eating a lot but still losing weight, or if they start bedwetting frequently at night, check their sugar immediately.“
The Indian Context: Why Us?
When asked about the genetic factor, Dr. Basu was candid about the “Indian disposition.”
“Genetics play a huge role,” he admitted. “But for us Indians, our lifestyle fuels the fire. Our diets are heavy in carbohydrates, and we have a tendency towards ‘Central Obesity’—that stubborn belly fat. We are also foodies by nature! This combination of genetics, diet, and a sedentary lifestyle makes us highly prone to Type 2 Diabetes.”
The “Pre-Diabetes” Window: Can We Reverse It?
A popular buzzword today is “Reversal.” Dr. Basu clarified what this actually means.
If your fasting sugar is between 100 and 126, or your post-meal sugar is below 180, you might be in the Pre-Diabetic or “Impaired Glucose Tolerance” stage.
Can you stop it here? Yes. Dr. Basu emphasized that lifestyle modification—diet control, weight loss, and exercise—can keep your sugar levels normal without medication.
The Caveat: “Reversal doesn’t mean the disease is gone forever,” Dr. Basu warned. “It means it is managed. The moment you slip back into old habits, the numbers will spike again. You need regular checkups, even if you aren’t on medicine.”
The Cost of “Cheating”: Organs at Risk
We all know someone who has diabetes but still eats sweets at weddings or skips their medication. Dr. Basu explained the grave consequences of this “Uncontrolled Diabetes.”
When sugar levels remain high over a long period, it affects the body’s filtration and circulation systems:
- Kidneys: The high sugar damages the filters in the kidneys, causing protein to leak into urine. This is the start of kidney failure.
- Heart: Sugar makes the blood thicker and can cause the heart walls to thicken. This reduces the heart’s pumping capacity, leading to heart failure or attacks.
New Tech: The Future of Monitoring
The conversation concluded with a look at modern medical advancements available at Eskag Sanjeevani. Gone are the days when a single finger-prick test was the only option.
Dr. Basu introduced CGMS (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System).
“This is a small patch sensor we apply to the patient. It stays on the body and records sugar levels every few minutes,” Dr. Basu explained. “It gives us a graph of the whole day. We can see exactly when your sugar spikes—was it after that afternoon snack? Was it during sleep? It allows us to tailor the treatment perfectly to your lifestyle.”
Final Takeaway
Diabetes is manageable, but it demands discipline. Whether you are at the pre-diabetic stage or managing long-term Type 2 diabetes, the key is consistency.
Dr. Basu’s Advice: “Don’t wait for symptoms to turn into complications. Check your vitals, watch your diet, and embrace the new technologies that help us keep you safe.”