Aster's Comprehensive Diabetes Care: From early detection to daily management

Understanding Diabetes: Why awareness matters

Dr Jimmy Joseph, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Speciality Clinic, International City (Pavilion Mall, France Cluster), says, “Type 2 diabetes often builds slowly as the body becomes less responsive to insulin, so sugar stays higher and longer in the blood and quietly strains the heart, eyes, nerves, and kidneys over time.

Regular screening helps identify problems early, when small changes work best. If you’re over 35 or have a family history or central weight, check fasting glucose and HbA1c yearly. Aim for 5-7 per cent weight loss, 150 minutes of weekly movement, more fibre-rich diet, and better sleep, which improve how your body uses insulin.”

The Hidden Link: Diabetes and your eyes

“High sugar weakens tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing leaks and swelling that can blur vision long before you notice symptoms. It is often referred to as a condition called diabetic retinopathy”, highlights Dr Gazala Hasan Mansuri, Specialist Ophthalmology at Aster Day Surgery Centre, Mankhool.

“A yearly dilated eye exam can spot damage early, when treatment protects sight. Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in control to slow down complications for the eye. Visit a doctor urgently if you notice any new floaters, dark spots, or sudden blur in vision. Modern options like eye injections and laser can stabilise or improve vision when considered on time.”

Protecting the Nerves: Neurological effects of diabetes

Dr Jaffar Vali Sayyed, Specialist Neurology at Aster Hospital, Qusais explains, “Undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes can result in peripheral nerve injury, initially showing symptoms such as tingling, burning, or needle-like sensations in the feet, and subsequently in the hands. Patients may also experience bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort, frequent urination, dizziness, and visual disturbances in some cases. Neurovascular complications, poor blood flow can result in non-healing ulcers or infections on the feet.

A multidisciplinary approach involving prompt assessment of undetected or uncontrolled hyperglycaemia, its complications and appropriate comprehensive management can substantially enhance the quality of life.”

Diabetes and the risk of foot complications

“Diabetic foot ulcers often begin with unnoticed, repetitive stress on numb feet, leading to tissue breakdown at pressure points. Over time, infection, poor blood flow, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and a weakened immune response due to diabetes can delay healing and and increase the risk of serious infection,” says Dr Roshan Rodney S, Specialist Vascular & Endovascular Surgery at Aster Hospital, Mankhool.

He advises, “Inspect soles daily, moisturise (not between toes), and never walk barefoot if you have diabetes. Prefer choosing wide, cushioned shoes and seamless socks, break in new footwear gradually. If you spot redness, callus with darkening underneath, pus-like drainage, or a non healing wound, seek care within 24-48 hours. Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, stop smoking, and ask about an annual foot and vascular assessment (pulses, ankle brachial index). Early intervention and infection control prevent amputations.”

The Hormonal Connection: Understanding endocrinology’s role

Dr Patanjali Panduranga, Specialist Endocrinology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, explains, “Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar move from blood into cells. In diabetes, resistance or lack of insulin elevates sugar levels. We tailor plans using lifestyle modifications, tablets or insulin, and advise medicines that also protect heart, kidneys, and weight.

Keeping a track of glucose levels and meal/ activity notes help adjust doses safely. In complex cases, tools like continuous glucose monitors or pumps reduce swings and lows. Quick adjustments based on patterns today can prevent emergencies tomorrow.”

Turn Steps into Results: How daily activity lowers your glucose

“Being active helps your body use sugar more smoothly during the day and makes it easier to keep sugar levels steady the next day too”, says Dr Arvind Gaddameedi, Specialist Endocrinology at Aster Clinic, Muteena (Deira).

“Aim for 150 minutes a week of brisk walking (short 10 minute bouts count), plus 2-3 days of simple strength moves like chair squats and wall push ups. Break up long sitting with a 2-3 minute stand-and-stretch every 30 minutes. If you’re on insulin or certain tablets, check your readings when starting a new routine and keep quick sugar on hand. Busy day? Try one minute of quicker walks with easy recovery.”

Nutrition and Lifestyle: Everyday choices that matter

Jaseera Maniparambil, Clinical Dietician at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), says, “Carbs raise blood sugar the most, but pairing them with protein, fibre, and healthy fats slows the rise so you feel steadier after meals. Think easy plate-building: half vegetables, a quarter protein (fish, eggs, lentils), a quarter whole grains or starchy veg, plus a little olive oil, nuts, or seeds.

Swap sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea and choose whole fruit over juice. Aim for 25-35g fibre from beans, oats, and seeds. After a walk or workout, have your carbs, and your numbers will behave better. Snack smart with yogurt, nuts, or hummus and vegetables.”

Keeping kidneys healthy

Dr Shahin Mohammed, Specialist Nephrology at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC) & Aster Hospital, Mankhool, highlights, “High sugar and blood pressure can damage the kidneys’ filters without early warning signs. A yearly urine albumin test and blood test for kidney function can catch trouble early, when protection works best. Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in range slows damage, and some medicines add kidney protection.

Hydrate sensibly, limit salt, exercise regularly, and avoid unnecessary painkillers like Ibuprofen. Call if you notice swelling, foamy urine, or rising blood pressure. Small, steady improvements make a big difference.”

You don’t have to do this alone. With the right checks, small changes, and caring guidance, better days are within reach. Book your diabetes check or consultation and leave with an easy, doable plan. Call Aster Hospitals & Clinics or book online today ¬ your first confident step toward steadier health.

Introducing Aster Diabetes 360 Care Clinic, Qusais

Living with diabetes can feel like a lot, numbers to track, foods to rethink, energy that goes up and down. You don’t have to do it alone.

At our Aster Diabetes 360 Care Clinic in Qusais, your care team listens first and builds a plan that fits your day, not the other way around.

Start with a simple health review, then meet the right experts when you need them: Internal Medicine for check-ups and goals you can stick to, Endocrinology to fine tune medicines safely, Ophthalmology to protect sight, and Neurology for tingling or numbness.

Between visits, we help you break changes into small, doable steps, and celebrate progress, not perfection. As your health needs change, we’ll bring in more specialities, so your care stays connected.

If today hasn’t been your best day, tomorrow can still be better. When you’re ready, we’re here to walk it with you.

Expert care at Aster Call us on 04 440 0500 or download myAster app