Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a common chronic health condition in which your body doesn’t properly regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can cause unpleasant symptoms and harmful complications, such as organ damage. 

Detecting diabetes early and seeking treatment is the best way to stay healthy and reduce your risk of serious medical problems.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Various types of diabetes include:

• Type 1 diabetes: Your body doesn’t make enough insulin
• Type 2 diabetes: You can’t use insulin properly
• Prediabetes: The early stages of diabetes development
• Monogenic diabetes: A rare condition resulting from single-gene changes
• Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops during pregnancy

Type 1 diabetes commonly occurs during childhood, while Type 2 diabetes often appears in people over 40. The type and severity of diabetes you experience can help your endocrinologist determine the most effective treatment plan.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Diabetes can affect anybody, but certain risk factors increase your chance of developing the condition. Examples include physical inactivity, being overweight, a family history of diabetes, older age, having high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or women who have polycystic ovary syndrome or gestational diabetes. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common signs and symptoms that might indicate you have diabetes include:

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

Complications that can occur with untreated diabetes include heart or kidney problems, nerve damage, eye damage, foot problems, hearing impairment, skin conditions, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

How does my doctor diagnose diabetes?

To diagnose diabetes, your doctor reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and completes a physical examination. They recommend you undergo a simple blood test to assess your blood sugar levels. 

What are my diabetes treatment options?

Depending on the type of diabetes you experience, your endocrinologist may suggest the following treatments:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes that help control blood sugar include maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting plenty of exercise. Check your blood sugar levels regularly at home.

Oral medicines

Taking oral medications is another common treatment for diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Your specialist personalizes a medication regimen just for you.

Insulin injections

Injecting insulin into your body periodically throughout the day is a good way to keep blood sugar levels in check if you have Type 1 (or sometimes Type 2) diabetes. 

Insulin pumps

Insulin pumps are implanted devices that monitor blood sugar levels every few minutes. They automatically deliver the right amount of insulin to your body when you need it.

Don’t let your blood sugar spiral out of control and cause complications associated with diabetes. Schedule an appointment with RGV Endocrine Center by phone today.