Diabetes

What is diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes — a disease that interferes with the way your body produces or uses insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. When unmanaged, all types of diabetes lead to elevated glucose levels, which can lead to a variety of health complications, including neuropathy, high blood pressure, and blindness. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent type of the disease. When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin correctly. You can develop Type 2 diabetes at any age, and it’s often linked to a poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. 

Only around 5% of people who have diabetes have Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually emerges in childhood and occurs because your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. Research indicates that Type 1 diabetes is due to an autoimmune condition that destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. 

Between 2-10% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes develops when a hormone produced by the placenta disrupts the way your body converts blood sugar to energy. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Type 2 and gestational diabetes might not cause any symptoms in its early stages. However, as your condition develops, you might notice:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Numbness or tingling feelings in your hands or feet
• Sores heal slowly or not at all

Type 1 diabetes usually emerge rapidly and severely. If you notice any of these symptoms, come into Beachcare Urgent & Family Medical Center for testing and treatment. 

How is diabetes treated?

There’s no cure for diabetes, but with medical care and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage your condition and protect your health. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin to replace what your body doesn’t produce. 

In some cases, you might need to take insulin if you have Type 2 diabetes, but in many cases, you can control your blood sugar with lifestyle changes. The team at Beachcare Urgent & Family Medical Center can help you create and follow a meal plan that includes delicious and satisfying foods but is low in sugar. Additionally, adding physical activity to your daily routine can help your body regulate your blood sugar levels. Even a 20-minute walk after a meal helps your body process blood sugar. 

If you’re concerned about diabetes or looking for personalized diabetes management, call Beachcare Urgent & Family Medical Center, make an appointment online, or walk-in today.