Diabetes

What is diabetes? 

Diabetes is a chronic illness that develops when your body has trouble processing sugar, also called glucose, in your blood. Glucose is required to help you function properly and to give you energy throughout the day.

Diabetes causes sugar to build up in your bloodstream because your pancreas either works overtime to process the insulin it makes or doesn’t make enough. Without treatment, diabetes can cause a number of serious problems like neuropathy, vision problems, high blood pressure, foot and leg sores, stroke, and heart attacks.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are a few different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational. Each of the three types has its own unique concerns, but in general, telltale signs of diabetes are:

• Frequent need to urinate
• Thirst
• Hunger
• Blurred vision
• Ulcers or sores on lower extremities
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes
• Prone to infections

Most of these symptoms are related to the high levels of sugar surging through your blood. It’s important to know that it’s possible to have diabetes without any of its chief symptoms. That’s why it’s important to maintain regular checkups with the team at Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic so they can monitor your health from year to year.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

At Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic, the team of experts uses a couple of key diagnostic tests to determine if and what kind of diabetes you have. After a thorough physical examination and review of your medical history, the team may test your blood and urine to determine your glucose levels. 

If two different tests return a blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, you’re considered diabetic.

How is diabetes treated?

The side effects of diabetes can be life-threatening, so it’s crucial that you establish a relationship with a doctor you trust. The team at Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic is passionate about helping you prevent and manage your diabetes in order to live a high-quality life. 

Depending on the type of diabetes you have, the team may recommend diet, exercise, weight loss, blood glucose monitoring, oral medication, or insulin injections.

For compassionate diabetic care, turn to the experts at Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.