How Can You Approach a Diabetes Diagnosis?

Mismanaged diabetes can take a toll on your overall health, hindering your ability to enjoy your favorite physical activities. Working with Pompeyo C Chavez MD can give a fighting chance. The team uses cutting-edge medical equipment and therapies to ensure your general wellness.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition with your body’s ability to absorb glucose, leading to high sugar levels in your bloodstream. After eating, your body converts that food into glucose which travels to other organs and tissues, providing the necessary nutrients and energy.

Insulin is the hormone that enables the use of this glucose. Inadequate insulin production or inability to use it results in developing this disease. There are many forms of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes which occurs when your immune system damages your pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. Medical experts are yet to understand the cause of this attack.

Type 2 diabetes is due to your body’s resistance to insulin, leading to a build-up of sugars in the blood. Prediabetes develops due to high glucose levels but is not high enough to diagnose type 2 diabetes.

Why is diabetes a life-threatening medical condition?

When your cells cannot absorb the glucose in your bloodstream, it increases your risk of several life-threatening complications. The strain on your internal organs can also cause a deterioration in your health. If you have diabetes, you are at high risk for depression, kidney disease, foot health problems, eye health problems, sexual dysfunction, cognitive issues, and nerve damage. Managing this medical condition is the best approach to minimizing your risks, giving you the ability to live a long, happy life.

What symptoms indicate that you have diabetes?

Your symptoms may vary with the amount of blood sugar. People with type 2 or prediabetes may sometimes not have any symptoms. Type 1 diabetes symptoms are sudden and more severe. Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include unexplained weight loss, slow-healing sores, extreme hunger, frequent infections, frequent urination, and blurred vision. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but it often occurs during childhood. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes and can occur at any age but is more common among older adults.

How can you manage your diabetes?

During your appointment, Dr. Chavez conducts a thorough medical exam and discusses your symptoms and medical history before recommending a treatment plan. He may recommend self-administered insulin therapy through a medical pump or daily injections. The team at Premier Family Physicians may also recommend oral medications.

Your provider educates you on monitoring your blood sugar levels, enabling you to track your progress and determine the medication you need. Lifestyle adjustments can also control blood sugar and prevent many health problems. For instance, eating a healthy diet with monitored carbohydrates is vital for managing your diabetes.

For comprehensive care, call Dr. Chavez or schedule an appointment online today.