Special Situations

Managing Diabetes Across Different Stages of Life

25. Diabetes in Women

PCOS Link: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have high insulin resistance and are at high risk for diabetes.

Pregnancy Planning: If you have diabetes and plan to conceive, your HbA1c should ideally be close to normal (< 6.5%) before pregnancy to prevent birth defects.

26. Diabetes in Children

We are seeing an explosion of Type 2 diabetes in Indian teenagers due to childhood obesity. Unlike adults, the disease is more aggressive in youth.

Rule of thumb: No screens (phones/TV) during meals.

27. Diabetes in the Elderly

For patients over 75, strict control (A1c < 7%) can be dangerous due to fall risk from low sugar. A target of 7.5% – 8.0% is often acceptable.

28. Sick Day Rules

When you have a fever or infection, blood sugar naturally rises as a defense mechanism.

  • Do NOT stop insulin/medicines even if you are not eating much.
  • Check sugar every 4 hours.
  • Drink plenty of non-sugary fluids (water, clear soup).