Diabetes
Diabetes: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 5 people with the condition are unaware they have it. Proper management and awareness are essential for improving quality of life and preventing complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Common causes and risk factors include
- Genetics: A family history of diabetes can increase your risk.
- Obesity: Excess body weight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle reduces insulin efficiency.
- Poor Diet: Diets high in refined carbs, sugary beverages, and processed foods contribute to diabetes.
- Age: Risk increases for individuals over 45 years old.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels may increase risk.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Symptoms can vary based on the type of diabetes but may include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Early detection is crucial to prevent complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.
Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications
Healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes:
Diagnosis and Screening
Doctors diagnose diabetes through several tests, including:
- A1C Test: Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar after fasting overnight.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar before and after consuming a sugary drink.
- Random Blood Sugar Test: Measures blood sugar at any time of the day.
Normal Below 100 mg/dL (fasting)
Prediabetes 100-125 mg/dL (fasting)
Diabetes 126 mg/dL or higher (fasting)
Treatment Option
Managing diabetes involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring:
Medications
Common medications include metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas to manage blood sugar levels.
Insulin Therapy
Required for individuals with type 1 diabetes and some with type 2 diabetes.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular checks help ensure glucose levels remain within target ranges.
Lifestyle Support Programs
Programs focusing on diet, exercise, and emotional support can help individuals manage diabetes effectively.
Hypertension and Your Health
Unchecked hypertension can lead to:
Diabetes Complications
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including:
Heart Disease
Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Kidney Disease
Over time, high blood sugar can damage kidney function.
Vision Loss
Diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness if left untreated.
Nerve Damage
Diabetes can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in extremities.
Foot Problems
Poor circulation and nerve damage can increase the risk of infections and ulcers.
Diabetes Management at Our Walk-In Clinic
Our walk-in clinic offers comprehensive diabetes care, including:
- Blood Sugar Monitoring and Testing
- Personalized Meal Planning and Nutritional Guidance
- Medication Management and Insulin Therapy
- Diabetes Education Programs
- Foot Care and Wound Treatment
- Lifestyle Counseling for Sustainable Health
Our healthcare professionals are committed to supporting you on your journey to better blood sugar control and overall well-being.
When to See Doctor
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Frequent high or low blood sugar readings
- Persistent fatigue or extreme thirst
- Vision changes or slow-healing wounds
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities