Diabetes Specialist

How does diabetes develop?

Diabetes is a chronic condition associated with high sugar (glucose) levels in your blood. Your pancreas produces insulin to lower glucose levels, but when it can’t naturally create or use insulin, your blood sugar rises, and you can develop diabetes.

Several types of diabetes exist, including:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes

Prediabetes, a condition where your blood sugar is high but not high enough to be diabetes, may be reversible.

What are the symptoms?

Diabetic symptoms vary upon blood sugar levels. If you’re pre-diabetic or have type 2 diabetes, it’s common to have no symptoms initially. But the symptoms of type 1 diabetes are severe and can appear quickly.

Signs and symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes are:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores and wounds
• Unexplained weight loss

The two variations of diabetes manifest at different ages. Type 1 diabetes typically develops throughout childhood, but it can appear at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1, but develops in people over age 40 due to conditions like obesity.

What are the health concerns?

Diabetes can trigger long-term health complications. The risk for life-threatening or disabling diseases increase the longer you have untreated diabetes. Common health complications include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Retinopathy (eye damage)
• Nephropathy (kidney damage)
• Skin conditions

What are my treatment options?

You may need to inject or orally consume insulin if you have type 1 diabetes because your body is unable to use or produce insulin on its own. Regardless of the type you have, you may require oral medications to manage your symptoms.

People with diabetes usually monitor their blood with hand-held devices. Basically, you prick your finger with the device. It uses the droplet of blood to measure your blood sugar levels. The team at First Choice Medical can monitor your blood sugar, too.

Ideally, you should exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet. Adding more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet can help you lose weight and balance your blood sugar.  

Dr. Goldman can diagnose and develop treatments plan to help you manage your diabetes. Book your appointment online or call the practice today to learn more about your treatment options.