Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by persistent high blood sugar levels. Normally, your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which acts as a key to help convert glucose (sugar) into energy for your cells. Without insulin, glucose builds in your blood and damages your blood vessels.

Having diabetes means your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. With high levels of glucose in your blood, diabetes can lead to stroke, nerve damage, vision problems, and even heart disease.

What are the types of diabetes?

The most common types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that typically develops during childhood or adolescence. Having Type 1 diabetes means your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, so you have to take regular insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that commonly develops during middle age. Poor diet, inactivity, and smoking are high risk factors for this condition. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves itself once you give birth. While most cases of gestational diabetes don’t continue after childbirth, the condition raises your risk of Type 2 diabetes in the future.

Prediabetes

Having prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are consistently high, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. If you have prediabetes, lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and exercise, can reverse your condition.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms often depend on the type you have, but the most common signs include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unintended weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Tingling in your hands or feet
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

Maintaining your blood sugar levels may help minimize the symptoms of diabetes and prevent new health complications.

What causes diabetes?

While Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, certain factors can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:

• Carrying excess weight
• Being over the age of 45
• Having prediabetes or gestational diabetes
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Following an unhealthy diet
• Inactivity

You’re also more likely to have diabetes if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the disease.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

After a thorough assessment, your doctor at Prosalud Family Medicine may recommend one or more of the following diabetes treatments:

• Weight loss
• Dietary changes
• Exercise
• Medication
• Insulin injections or pump
• Carbohydrate counting
• Blood sugar monitoring

To learn more about diabetes, call Prosalud Family Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.