Diabetes Management

What is diabetes management?

Diabetes is a common chronic disease that causes higher-than-normal sugar levels in your bloodstream. Some people develop type 1 diabetes during childhood, which occurs due to low levels of insulin production. Insulin is a hormone needed to move sugar from your blood into other body tissues.

Other people, especially those over 40, develop type 2 diabetes because of genetics or certain lifestyle habits. Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

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

Diabetes can cause complications when not managed properly. Examples include foot problems, non-healing wounds, organ damage, nerve damage, Alzheimer’s disease, eye damage, and depression.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Factors that increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes include:

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

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is the best way to lessen your chance of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

To find out if you have diabetes, your internal medicine specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and use blood tests to evaluate your blood sugar levels.

You may need additional diagnostic testing, such as heart-function tests, nerve testing, or other tests, depending on your health history and disease risk factors.

What does diabetes management consist of?

Diabetes management usually consists of making lifestyle changes, taking oral diabetes medications, using insulin injections, or more than one type of diabetes treatment. Another option is an insulin pump, which is a computerized device that delivers insulin through a tiny tube underneath your skin.

Lose weight if you’re overweight, limit carbohydrates, eat nutritious foods, and get regular exercise. Keep stress levels low and avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. 

To take advantage of diabetes management at The Maxwell Group, call the office or use the online booking feature today.