What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when glucose, or blood sugar, builds up in your blood. This happens when you don’t have enough insulin to process the glucose or your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including: stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems.
Untreated diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make insulin, a hormone needed to process glucose in your bloodstream. Type 1 is usually diagnosed in children and teens, but it can develop in adults as well.
Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Although your pancreas initially tries to produce extra insulin to make up for the problem, it can’t keep up over time. As a result, your insulin level drops below a healthy level.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms of both types of diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very hungry or thirsty
- Overwhelming tiredness
- Blurry eyesight
- Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
You may experience sudden, unexplained weight loss with Type 1 diabetes. Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands is a symptom specific to Type 2 diabetes.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
A variety of blood tests are used to diagnose diabetes. Janis at Bethel Family Medicine recommends tests that include:
- A1C: This test measures your average blood sugar over the last two to three months.
- Fasting plasma glucose: This test looks at your blood sugar levels after fasting for at least eight hours.
- Oral glucose tolerance: This test measures your blood sugar levels before and after drinking a specific sweetened beverage.
What treatments are available for diabetes?
With the right care, you can manage your condition and enjoy a healthy, active life. Janis discusses steps to manage diabetes and improve your health. Bethel Family Medicine offers a comprehensive nutrition and weight loss program and makes referrals to a local personal trainer to help you reach your fitness goals. You may also be prescribed medication.
For expert diabetes management, call Bethel Family Medicine today or schedule a consultation online.
