Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a common disease that affects more than 10% of people in the United States. It reduces your body’s ability to control the sugar in your blood. When left untreated, diabetes can cause numerous medical problems. Early detection and proper diabetes management are vital to maintaining exceptional health and wellness. 

What are some common types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes are common forms of diabetes. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you produce too little insulin, a hormone your body uses to move sugar from your blood into other body tissues.

Usually appearing after 40, Type 2 diabetes affects your body’s ability to use insulin. It could develop because of excess body weight or unhealthy habits. 

Prediabetes develops before diabetes and is often reversible. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and may disappear after delivery.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Vision problems
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Excessive urination
• Slow-healing sores
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Blurry vision
• Irritability

When left untreated, diabetes can cause complications. Examples include organ damage, foot problems, nerve damage, eye issues, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Common Type 2 diabetes risk factors include:

• Excess body weight
• Poor dietary habits
• Family history of diabetes 
• Lack of exercise
• Older age
• Past gestational diabetes
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

The best way to reduce your risk of prediabetes, gestational diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

How does my doctor diagnose diabetes?

To diagnose diabetes, your Signature Internal Medicine specialist asks about your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and use a blood test to evaluate your blood sugar levels.

How is diabetes treated?

The most common diabetes treatments include oral medicines, insulin injections, and lifestyle changes. You might need more than one type of treatment to properly control your blood sugar and prevent complications.

Control your carbohydrate intake, eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Monitor your blood sugar levels at home regularly and see your concierge medicine specialist for routine medical exams.

For diabetes screening, diagnosis, or management, call the Signature Internal Medicine office or use the online scheduler today.