Diabetes puzzle is more than sugar

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital has put the spotlight on the hidden triggers of diabetes—factors beyond sugar that silently increase risk for thousands. Through expert insights, preventive tips, and community-focused awareness, the hospital urges the public to rethink diabetes prevention and adopt a more holistic, science-backed approach to protecting their health.

When we hear the word diabetes we straight away blame white sugar. For ages, sugar has been viewed and labelled as the primary culprit of diabetes. But today diabetes experts emphasize that reality is far more complex.

High sugar consumption definitely plays a major role, health experts caution that focusing only on sugar oversimplifies a condition influenced by multiple lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. 

The Hidden Triggers  

Chronic Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that is known to increase blood glucose levels. Exposure to prolonged stress can make it difficult for the body to process glucose and cause obesity.

Sleep is often overlooked, sleeping less than six hours on a regular basis can increase insulin resistance. Poor sleep can lead to poor metabolic function and increase the cravings for sweet or high calorie foods and cause obesity.

Long hours of inactivity or sitting can affect the body’s metabolism. Due to inactivity muscles stop absorbing glucose efficiently, leading to higher blood glucose, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

Excessive saturated fats and trans fat consumption can affect insulin receptor sensitivity. They can lead to weight gain and hormonal imbalance.

Not every food that is labelled healthy is actually healthy. Remember every packaged food has a certain amount of salt and sugar in a different form.

Signs of Diabetes

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital’s diabetes specialists highlight that early detection can prevent severe complications. 

Watch out for – Persistent fatigue; unexplained weight loss or weight gain; increased thirst; frequent urination; blurred vision; slow-healing wounds; tingling sensation in hands and feet; and increased hunger despite eating. 

Ignoring these symptoms can delay diagnosis and increase the risk of heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

Tips to Manage Diabetes

Adopting small, consistent lifestyle habits can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetes. Specialists at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital’s Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology emphasize that mindful daily choices—especially in diet, activity, sleep, and stress—play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Below are simple, effective steps recommended by our experts to support long-term wellness.

Maintain a balanced plate; Walk maximum 30 minutes a day; prioritize sleep; manage stress; avoid packaged foods; and regular health screening. 

Diabetes is no longer just a lifestyle disorder—it’s a growing public health challenge. Many people develop the condition silently, without obvious symptoms. By understanding the hidden triggers, people can take proactive measures to delay or prevent its onset.