Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease, often caused by genetics or poor lifestyle habits, that affects the ability of your body to control the sugar levels present in your blood. When not managed properly, diabetes can cause severe complications, such as organ damage, heart disease, or nerve problems. 

If you’re at risk of diabetes or develop its symptoms, see a Primary & Urgent Care South provider for an evaluation as soon as possible. The experienced internal medicine team also screens for and treats thyroid disease, hypertension, cardiovascular health issues, and numerous other chronic conditions.

What are the different types of diabetes?

The common types of diabetes include:

• Type 1 diabetes - your body makes too little insulin
• Type 2 diabetes - your body doesn’t utilize insulin properly
• Prediabetes - high blood sugar not yet classified as Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes - diabetes that occurs during pregnancy

The type of diabetes you have determines which treatment is the most appropriate.

Which symptoms can diabetes cause?

Diabetes can cause the following symptoms:

• Urinating often
• Increased thirst
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Mood changes
• Irritability 
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent gum, vaginal, or skin infections
• Blurred vision

Complications that may develop due to uncontrolled diabetes include heart problems, nerve damage, eye issues, skin changes, kidney damage, foot problems, depression, and hearing impairment. Your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia also increases. 

What can increase my risk of diabetes?

A family history of diabetes and poor lifestyle habits can boost your chance of having diabetes. Ways to minimize the risk of Type 2 and prediabetes include maintaining an ideal body weight, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular exercise.

How does my specialist diagnose diabetes?

To diagnose or properly manage diabetes and develop an effective treatment plan, the Primary & Urgent Care South team discusses your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history. They also check your vital signs, weigh you, complete a physical exam, and order blood testing (including glucose testing and HgA1c monitoring).

How is diabetes treated?

Your diabetes treatment plan may include:

• Weight loss
• Diet and exercise changes
• Oral medicines
• Insulin shots
• Insulin pump
• Routine blood sugar monitoring
• Managing other chronic diseases

If you have complications related to diabetes, your Primary & Urgent Care South provider may refer you to a specialist for care.

To get screened or treated for diabetes, schedule a visit at Primary & Urgent Care South by phone or online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.