Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that interfere with how your body produces and uses insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas, and it supports the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) into energy. There are three prevalent types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. It typically emerges during childhood and is believed to be caused by an autoimmune condition that attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops as your body fails to use insulin correctly. This form of the disease used to emerge primarily in adults. However, it’s becoming more common in young people. Your genetics affect your risk of Type 2 diabetes, but your lifestyle significantly affects your chances of getting the disease. 

Prediabetes occurs when you have elevated glucose levels that don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for Type 2 diabetes. It increases your chances of developing full-blown diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

Some women develop gestational diabetes during their second trimester of pregnancy. A hormone produced by the placenta can interfere with how your body uses insulin. While gestational diabetes usually disappears after the baby is born, it increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

What are the warning signs of diabetes?

Diabetes can cause various symptoms, including:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Slowly healing cuts or bruises
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet

Diabetes symptoms develop differently depending on which type you have. Type 1 diabetes usually causes a rapid onset of symptoms, while Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can be present for years without causing noticeable symptoms. 

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Most people find out they have diabetes following routine bloodwork for a physical exam. If your blood panel shows elevated blood sugar levels, Dr. Mackie orders additional testing, including fasting glucose tests, random glucose tests, and an A1c test. 

How is diabetes treated?

Dr. Mackie usually combines lifestyle adjustments with medication to manage diabetes. For example, if you have prediabetes or mild Type 2 diabetes, you might be able to control your condition by adjusting your diet and adding physical activity to your daily routine. 

However, if you have Type 1 diabetes or advanced Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Mackie might prescribe insulin or another medication to regulate your blood sugar.

Call Excellence Medical Centers, LLC or make an appointment online today if you need expert treatment for diabetes.