What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes an elevation in blood glucose levels. Glucose is your body’s preferred source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin, which is a hormone produced in your pancreas, helps transport the glucose from your blood into your cells for energy.
Diabetes develops from issues related to your insulin, which determine the type of diabetes you have. There are two, including:
- Type 1 diabetes: your pancreas no longer makes insulin
- Type 2 diabetes: your body isn’t able to use properly the insulin you do make
Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent than Type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes can’t be cured, but Dr. Anuradha Arun and her team at PrimeCare Medicine can help you manage your blood sugar to keep it in control and reduce your risk of developing diabetes-related complications, such as peripheral neuropathy or heart or kidney disease.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes come on quickly for people with Type 1 diabetes, but may develop slowly in those with Type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ravenous appetite
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blurry vision
- Tingling in your fingers or toes
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may not develop any symptoms at all and may not know you have the condition until you’ve developed other complications. The best way to stay on top of your health is through your annual wellness exam, which gives Dr. Arun and her team at PrimeCare Medicine the opportunity to look for signs and symptom you may not notice.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Dr. Arun can easily diagnose diabetes through a simple blood test she performs at the office. Tests may include:
- Fasting blood glucose
- Random blood glucose
- Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, which assesses blood sugar levels over three months
PrimeCare Medicine wants you to understand what’s happening in your body and will go over the tests and results with you.
How can I manage my diabetes?
Dr. Arun and her team at PrimeCare Medicine help you manage your blood sugar levels through diet counseling and medication. She also teaches you how to monitor your blood sugar levels to help you understand how food, medication, and exercise may affect your numbers.
For expert medical management of your diabetes, call PrimeCare Medicine or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.
