Question 1

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body produces no insulin at all, typically diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough — it is far more common and strongly linked to lifestyle, diet, and genetics. Type 2 can often be managed with oral medication, while Type 1 always requires insulin.

Question 2

What is a normal blood sugar (glucose) level?

Accepted Answer

A normal fasting blood glucose is below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). A reading between 100–125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. A fasting level of 126 mg/dL or above on two separate occasions confirms diabetes. Your HbA1c — a 3-month average — should ideally be below 7% if you have diabetes.

Question 3

Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?

Accepted Answer

In early stages, significant weight loss, dietary changes, and regular exercise can bring blood sugar back to the normal range — a state called remission. However, this is not a permanent cure; blood sugar monitoring and healthy habits must continue. The longer someone has had diabetes, the harder remission becomes.

Question 4

How often should I check my blood sugar at home?

Accepted Answer

The frequency depends on your treatment. If you are on insulin, checking before meals and at bedtime is usually recommended. If you are on oral medication, your doctor may advise checking fasting levels a few times a week. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide real-time readings without finger-prick testing.

Question 5

What foods should I avoid if I have diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Minimise refined carbohydrates (white rice, white bread, sugary drinks, sweets), processed snacks, and full-fat dairy in large quantities. Focus instead on whole grains, legumes, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. There is no single 'diabetic diet' — a personalised plan with a dietitian gives the best results.

Question 6

What complications can uncontrolled diabetes cause?

Accepted Answer

Long-term high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, leading to kidney disease (nephropathy), eye damage (retinopathy, which can cause blindness), nerve damage (neuropathy causing tingling or numbness), heart disease, stroke, and slow-healing foot wounds that may require amputation.

Question 7

When should I see a specialist for an infection rather than a GP?

Accepted Answer

See a specialist if: an infection doesn't improve after a standard course of antibiotics, you have a recurring infection in the same site, you have a fever lasting more than a week without a clear cause, you are immunocompromised (HIV, diabetes, on steroids or chemotherapy), or you have been diagnosed with an unusual or tropical infection.

Question 8

What is antibiotic resistance and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to survive exposure to antibiotics, making infections much harder to treat. It develops when antibiotics are overused or not completed as prescribed. Resistant infections cause longer illness, require stronger medications, increase hospital stays, and can be life-threatening. Never use antibiotics without a prescription or stop them early.

Question 9

How can I tell if an infection is bacterial or viral?

Accepted Answer

In practice, this requires medical assessment and sometimes tests. Generally, viral infections (cold, flu, most sore throats) are self-limiting and do not respond to antibiotics. Bacterial infections may present with a high fever, localised pain, productive cough with coloured sputum, or elevated white cell count on blood tests. Only a doctor can reliably distinguish between them.

Question 10

What are warning signs of a severe infection requiring emergency care?

Accepted Answer

Seek emergency care immediately for: high fever (above 39.5°C) with confusion, a rash that spreads rapidly or doesn't fade when pressed (possible meningococcal infection), difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, stiff neck with headache and light sensitivity, or signs of sepsis — very low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or altered consciousness.

Question 11

How can I prevent common infections?

Accepted Answer

Key prevention strategies include: thorough handwashing with soap, staying up to date with vaccinations, safe food handling and drinking clean water, using insect repellent in endemic areas, practising safe sex, avoiding close contact with people who are acutely unwell, and not sharing personal items. Maintaining good general health (sleep, nutrition, exercise) also supports immune function.

Question 12

What is osteoporosis and how is it diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become porous and brittle due to reduced bone density, greatly increasing the risk of fractures — especially of the spine, hip, and wrist. It is diagnosed with a DEXA scan, which measures bone mineral density and gives a T-score. A T-score below -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.

Question 13

Who is most at risk of osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Post-menopausal women are at highest risk due to the drop in oestrogen, which normally protects bones. Other risk factors include: age over 65, low body weight, family history of hip fracture, long-term corticosteroid use, smoking, excessive alcohol, low calcium and vitamin D intake, and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease.

Question 14

Can osteoporosis be reversed with treatment?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis cannot be fully reversed, but bone density loss can be slowed, stopped, or in some cases partially improved with treatment. Bisphosphonates (such as alendronate, zoledronic acid) are the most commonly prescribed medications. Adequate calcium and vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise, and fall prevention are equally important.

Question 15

How much calcium and vitamin D do I need daily?

Accepted Answer

Adults over 50 need approximately 1,200 mg of calcium per day, ideally from food (dairy products, leafy greens, fortified foods) rather than supplements alone. Vitamin D requirements are typically 800–1,000 IU per day, though many people in India are deficient and need higher supplementation — your doctor will guide you based on blood levels.

Question 16

Are there any warning signs of osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis is often called a 'silent disease' because there are no symptoms until a fracture occurs. Clues include: loss of height over time, a stooped posture (kyphosis), or a fracture from a minor fall or everyday activity that would not normally cause injury. Regular screening with DEXA is the only reliable way to detect it early.

Question 17

What are the signs of poor bone health?

Accepted Answer

Bone health rarely shows obvious symptoms early. Warning signs include frequent fractures from minor trauma, persistent back or bone pain, gradual loss of height, a stooped or hunched posture, and dental problems. Fatigue and muscle weakness, especially with vitamin D deficiency, can also indicate poor bone health.

Question 18

Does exercise improve bone density?

Accepted Answer

Yes — weight-bearing and resistance exercises are among the most effective ways to build and maintain bone density. Walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, and strength training all stimulate bone formation. Swimming and cycling, while excellent for cardiovascular fitness, are not weight-bearing and have less impact on bone density.

Question 19

What vitamins and minerals are most important for bone health?

Accepted Answer

Calcium is the primary structural mineral in bone. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption from the gut. Vitamin K2 helps direct calcium into bones rather than arteries. Magnesium and phosphorus also play supporting roles. Protein intake matters too — bones are approximately 50% protein by volume.

Question 20

Can medications affect bone health?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Long-term use of corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) is a major cause of secondary osteoporosis. Other medications that can reduce bone density include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), certain anti-epileptics, some cancer treatments, and long-term heparin. If you are on any of these, discuss bone protection strategies with your doctor.

Question 21

At what age should I get a bone density scan?

Accepted Answer

Women should be screened at 65, or earlier (50–64) if they have risk factors such as early menopause, steroid use, or a family history of hip fracture. Men should be screened at 70, or from 50–70 if risk factors are present. Anyone who has had a fragility fracture should be tested regardless of age.

Question 22

How often should I get a routine health checkup?

Accepted Answer

For healthy adults under 40 with no risk factors, a comprehensive checkup every 2–3 years is reasonable. From 40 onwards, annual checkups are recommended. If you have chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease), more frequent monitoring tailored to those conditions is needed. Your doctor will advise the right interval for you.

Question 23

What tests are typically included in a routine health checkup?

Accepted Answer

A standard comprehensive checkup usually includes: complete blood count (CBC), fasting blood glucose and HbA1c, lipid profile (cholesterol), kidney function (creatinine, uric acid), liver function tests, thyroid function (TSH), urine analysis, blood pressure measurement, BMI assessment, and an ECG. Cancer screening tests (PSA, Pap smear, mammogram) are added based on age and gender.

Question 24

Do I need a health checkup if I feel completely fine?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many serious conditions — hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, early kidney disease, thyroid disorders — produce no symptoms in their early stages. A health checkup catches these before they cause harm. Preventive care is far more effective and less costly than treating advanced disease.

Question 25

What should I do before my health checkup appointment?

Accepted Answer

Fast for 10–12 hours before the appointment (water is fine) to ensure accurate fasting blood tests. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take. Note any symptoms or health concerns you want to discuss. Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and smoking for 24 hours before. Wear comfortable clothing for the physical examination.

Question 26

At what age should I start specific cancer screenings?

Accepted Answer

General guidance: Cervical cancer (Pap smear) from age 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active. Breast cancer (mammogram) from age 40–50 depending on risk. Colorectal cancer screening from age 45–50. Prostate cancer (PSA) discussion from age 50, or 40–45 for high-risk men. Diabetes screening from age 35. Your doctor will personalise recommendations based on family history and risk factors.

Question 27

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

Accepted Answer

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that, if untreated, gradually weakens the immune system over many years. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the late stage of HIV infection, defined by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of certain opportunistic infections. With modern treatment, most people with HIV never progress to AIDS.

Question 28

How is HIV transmitted?

Accepted Answer

HIV is transmitted through specific body fluids: blood, semen and pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Transmission occurs through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding, and through blood transfusions (though blood supply is now screened). HIV is NOT transmitted through saliva, tears, sweat, handshakes, hugging, or sharing food.

Question 29

Can HIV be cured?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is so effective that people with HIV who start treatment early and adhere to it can have a near-normal life expectancy with an undetectable viral load. Research into functional cures and vaccines is ongoing.

Question 30

What is ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and when should it be started?

Accepted Answer

ART is a combination of medications (typically three drugs from two classes) that suppress HIV replication, keeping the viral load undetectable in the blood and preventing immune damage. Current guidelines recommend starting ART as soon as possible after diagnosis — regardless of CD4 count — because early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes.

Question 31

Can someone with HIV live a normal, healthy life?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With consistent ART, people with HIV can live long, full, and healthy lives — working, having families, and maintaining relationships. Someone with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV sexually (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Regular monitoring, adherence to medication, and avoiding co-infections are the keys to long-term wellbeing.

Question 32

What causes osteoarthritis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage — the protective cushioning between bones. Risk factors include age, obesity (excess weight increases joint load), previous joint injury, repetitive occupational movements, and family history. It is not simply 'wear and tear from ageing' — inflammation also plays a role.

Question 33

Which joints are most commonly affected?

Accepted Answer

The knees and hips are the most common sites, followed by the hands (especially the base of the thumb and the ends of the fingers), the spine (cervical and lumbar), and the big toe. Osteoarthritis rarely affects the wrists, ankles, or elbows unless there has been prior injury.

Question 34

Can osteoarthritis be prevented?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot change your age or genetics, several factors are modifiable. Maintaining a healthy weight significantly reduces knee and hip stress. Avoiding joint injuries, strengthening surrounding muscles, and staying active all reduce risk. Treating injuries promptly and correcting abnormal joint mechanics also helps.

Question 35

What is the role of physiotherapy in osteoarthritis?

Accepted Answer

Physiotherapy is a cornerstone treatment. A physiotherapist teaches targeted exercises to strengthen muscles that stabilise affected joints, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Techniques such as hydrotherapy, TENS, ultrasound, and manual therapy may also provide relief. Physiotherapy can delay or even avoid the need for surgery.

Question 36

When is joint replacement necessary?

Accepted Answer

Surgery is considered when conservative treatments — medication, physiotherapy, injections, lifestyle changes — have been exhausted and pain severely impacts daily life and sleep. There is no fixed threshold; the decision is made jointly based on symptom severity, functional limitation, X-ray findings, and overall health.

Question 37

What blood pressure reading is considered high?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure is measured in mmHg and expressed as two numbers (e.g., 120/80). A reading consistently above 140/90 mmHg is diagnosed as hypertension. Readings between 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg are classified as Stage 1 hypertension. Anything above 180/120 is a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate attention.

Question 38

Can high blood pressure be cured permanently?

Accepted Answer

Primary hypertension (the most common type) cannot be cured but can be very effectively controlled with lifestyle changes and medication. Secondary hypertension — caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease or a hormonal disorder — may resolve if the root cause is treated.

Question 39

Do I need medication if my blood pressure is only slightly elevated?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your overall cardiovascular risk. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of heart attack, medication is typically started earlier. If you have no other risk factors and the elevation is mild, a 3–6 month trial of lifestyle changes (diet, weight loss, exercise, reducing salt and alcohol) is often recommended first.

Question 40

Does stress cause hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Acute stress temporarily raises blood pressure, but chronic stress can contribute to sustained hypertension indirectly — through unhealthy coping habits like overeating, excess alcohol, poor sleep, and physical inactivity. Managing stress is an important part of blood pressure control but is rarely sufficient on its own.

Question 41

What lifestyle changes help lower blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

The most effective changes are: reducing daily salt intake to under 5g, losing excess weight, exercising aerobically for at least 30 minutes most days, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (the DASH diet), and managing stress through adequate sleep and relaxation.

Question 42

Is it safe to stop blood pressure medication once my readings are normal?

Accepted Answer

No — do not stop medication without your doctor's guidance. Blood pressure normalises because of the medication, not despite it. Stopping abruptly can cause a sudden rebound spike. If readings are consistently excellent over many months, your doctor may consider reducing the dose — but this must be done gradually and with monitoring.

Question 43

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain — often in smaller joints symmetrically. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of cartilage, more common in older adults and weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.

Question 44

Is arthritis only a condition for older people?

Accepted Answer

No. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s — and juvenile arthritis affects children. While osteoarthritis is more common after 50, no age group is exempt. Early diagnosis in younger patients is particularly important to prevent joint damage.

Question 45

What are DMARDs and do I need them?

Accepted Answer

DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are medications that slow or stop the progression of inflammatory arthritis by targeting the underlying immune process — unlike painkillers, which only relieve symptoms temporarily. Methotrexate is the most commonly prescribed. If you have RA or psoriatic arthritis, DMARDs are usually essential.

Question 46

Should I exercise if I have arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes — carefully chosen exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and walking strengthen the muscles around joints, reduce stiffness, and improve function. Avoid high-impact activities during flares. A physiotherapist can design a safe programme for your specific joints.

Question 47

What are biologic therapies for arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Biologics are advanced medications derived from living cells that target specific proteins driving inflammation (such as TNF-alpha or interleukins). They are used when conventional DMARDs are insufficient. Examples include adalimumab, etanercept, and tocilizumab. They are given as injections or infusions and are highly effective for moderate-to-severe RA.

Answers to your questions.

Diabetes Management

Infectious Disease Treatment

Osteoporosis

Bone Health

General Health Checkup

HIV / AIDS Treatment

Osteoarthritis

Hypertension Treatment

Arthritis & Pain Management

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