Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is the name given to a group of conditions that affect the way your body uses the glucose — or sugar — in your blood. You need some blood glucose because your cells pull this sugar from your bloodstream to use for energy. But over time, too much blood glucose heightens your risk for a number of serious health conditions, including:

• Neuropathy
• Kidney damage
• Cardiovascular disease
• Eye damage
• Skin conditions
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression
• Foot damage

Clearly, stabilizing our blood sugar levels is important in protecting your health. Don’t hesitate to talk to your Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic provider if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• More frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Vision problems
• Irritability
• Increased frequency of infections
• Sores that are slow to heal
• Weight loss

All of these signs could indicate that your blood sugar levels are too high. 

What causes diabetes?

There are multiple different types of diabetes, each with a different cause. For example, gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. The two most common types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes

Usually diagnosed during childhood, this type of diabetes is caused by an improper immune response. Your immune system attacks the cells in your pancreas that should make insulin, the hormone your body uses to convert blood glucose to energy. With insufficient insulin, glucose builds up in your blood.

Type 2 diabetes

The most common type of diabetes, type 2 diabetes is caused as your body resists insulin when it tries to convert blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adulthood and is directly linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices. 

How is diabetes treated?

Whatever is causing your diabetes, the team at Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic personalizes a treatment plan to regulate your blood glucose levels. For people with type 1 diabetes, this usually means injecting insulin on a regular basis.

But many cases of type 2 diabetes can be managed with lifestyle modifications. Your Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic provider works with you to make changes to your diet and exercise routine. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight makes a dramatic difference in your body’s ability to properly use blood glucose. 

To learn more about how you can get the diabetes treatment you need to protect your long-term health, call Encino Park Family Health & Wellness Clinic or schedule your appointment online today.