What is Diabetes?
Types of Diabetes
Millions of individuals are diagnosed with diabetes each year. Type 1 diabetes is the lesser form and is caused when the body does not produce insulin. Case studies show that approximately 5% of patients have this type of diabetes. Most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults, this type of diabetes was previously known as juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common. 90% of most cases are of this type, which occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. As people age, they are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
A different type of diabetes all together is gestational diabetes. During pregnancy, usually around 24 weeks, many women develop gestational diabetes. This doesn’t mean you had diabetes before conception, or that you will have it after birth, but it is important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding blood sugar levels during your pregnancy.
Diabetes Screening Reviews
Symptoms of Diabetes
It is important to be aware of symptoms associated with diabetes. Early detection and treatment of these symptoms can reduce your risk of developing the complications of diabetes. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss - even though you are eating more (type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
Known Causes
Because Type 2 diabetes is more prevelant in the general population, our practice treats more patients with this type than the other forms. Type 2 occurs when the pancreas do not make enough insulin, a hormone that allows sugar to leave the bloodstream. This can occur due to a poor diet, eating too much, or a lack of physical activity. Being obese or overweight puts patients at risk for developing this condition, and with age, the risk only increases. Genetics also plays a big factor in whether or not someone may or may not develop diabetes. For individuals with family members with Type 2 diabetics, the risks can decrease significantly by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Treatment of Diabetes
There are several tests to determine if an individual has diabetes, inkling the A1C test, the FPG (fasting plasma glucose) test, as well as the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test). Regardless of what type of diabetes a person is diagnosed with, almost all types are treatable. While there is no cure for Type 1, daily medication, such as insulin injections, helps to manage the condition. Type 2 diabetes can last a lifetime, but can be managed with oral medication, and with a healthy diet and weight control program, symptoms can sometimes disappear completely.
Manage Your Diabetes
Our medical practitioners are experienced in diagnosing and treating diabetes and ensuring that our patients receive excellent care and ongoing support. If you suffer from diabetes and would like to get to know our medical practice better, we invite you to call us today to schedule your appointment.
