Diabetes Management Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases that disrupt the way your body makes or uses insulin and leads to elevated blood sugar levels. When you have continuously high glucose levels, you have an increased risk of nerve damage, blood vessel damage, blindness, and diabetic ulcers that can lead to amputation.

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the two most common forms of the disease. Type 1 diabetes usually emerges during childhood and occurs when your pancreas doesn’t make insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually when your body doesn’t use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes used to be more common in adults but is becoming more prevalent in children and adolescents.

What is diabetes management?

Diabetes management includes medical services and advice to help you control your condition and protect your health. Your goal is to maintain healthy and stable blood sugar levels. The team helps you learn about what your blood sugar levels should be and how to monitor your glucose at home.

Diet and exercise are critical to managing your blood sugar levels. If you have any type of diabetes, you need to cut excess sugar out of your diet. In addition to restricting sweet treats, you also need to learn about the different types of carbohydrates and how they convert to sugar during digestion. 

Physical activity helps your body use glucose for energy. The team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care provides advice on how to incorporate exercise safely into your daily routine. Many patients find that taking a brisk walk for 15-20 minutes after every meal helps keep their glucose levels stable. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, the team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care prescribes insulin to replace the hormones your body doesn’t produce. If you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, you might be able to manage your condition with diet and exercise, although if your disease is severe, you might need to take insulin, too.

When should I talk to a doctor about diabetes management?

You should talk to a member of the team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care as soon as you know that you have diabetes or prediabetes. The sooner you start diabetes management, the better for your health.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops suddenly during childhood, with symptoms that include increased thirst, hunger, and urination, fatigue, blurry vision, and unexplained weight loss. 

You could have Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes for years without noticing any symptoms. The best way to monitor your blood sugar levels and screen for diabetes is to have routine blood work at your annual wellness check.

If you’re concerned about diabetes or are looking for expert diabetes management, call Select Family Practice and Urgent Care or make an appointment online today.