What is Diabetes?

Diabetes pertains to a group of diseases which affect how a person’s body digests and uses sugars. People with diabetes have difficulty processing sugars because either their bodies don’t produce enough insulin or because they are not using insulin properly, and occasionally both. Diabetes comes in multiple types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. There is also precursory or prediabetes which refers to person who is in danger of developing diabetes soon. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin or their cells do not respond to insulin. People with type 2 diabetes can sometimes control the disease by losing weight and changing their diet while others will need to take insulin injections. Gestational diabetes is diabetes in pregnant women.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Common symptoms and indicators of diabetes include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises which don’t heal
• Feeling very hungry even when eating
• Tingling, numbness, or pain in hands and feet (indicates type 2)
• Severe thirst
• Weight loss though eating (indicated type 1)
• Frequent urination

People should note that those with type 2 diabetes can experience symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

How is Diabetes Treated?

Commonly diabetes is treated with either lifestyle changes or the use of insulin. The treatment used will depend on the type of diabetes the patient is diagnosed with and how severe the symptoms are. A key aspect of living with diabetes will always include the monitoring of blood sugar levels. Keeping a log of blood glucose levels throughout the day and how they are changing throughout the weeks and months is essential. Those who need to be constantly checking their glucose levels include those using insulin, those having difficulty controlling the levels, pregnant women, those who are consistently low or high, and those who have ketones in their blood as a result of high blood sugar levels. Our office can help you keep an eye on your levels and make sure they are kept under control.