Q: I am a 64 years old male. My father was diabetic. For the last 14 years, I am diabetic and also having hypertension. I am 175 cms and weigh 72 ks which is constant for the last 15 years. I had heart attack - a silent one, in 1995 followed by angioplasty in September 1995. I have no problem since then as far as heart is concerned. I walk 4 to 5 kms every day without fail and take food approximating 1300 to 1400 calories per day and take medicine as per Escorts Doctor advice. My Blood sugar generally is Fasting 130 and PP around 200 mg%. A few doctors who are expert in Diabetic treatment say that level around 200 for a patient like me is OK and is well controlled. Please advise how I can bring it down to a level that diabetes does not cause any further harm to my body.

A:I am happy that you are following an excellent diet and exercise schedule. Your sugar needs to be better however; fasting value should be below 120 and post meal below 160mg%. You should also get your glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) estimated, which reflects your preceding 3 month sugar control. This value should be less than 7%. To acheive this goal, you will have to increase your medicines in consultation with your endocrinologist or physician.