What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that causes too much sugar in your blood (high blood sugar). Normally, your pancreas produces insulin which helps your cells absorb sugar (glucose) from the food you eat. With diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly.
Without the ability to absorb glucose as fuel, your body cannot function normally. Excess sugar in your blood can cause complications like vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Since diabetes can be life-threatening, it is essential to get diagnosed and treated early.
What are the types of diabetes?
There are different types of diabetes that are classified by their individual causes.
Juvenile diabetes (Type 1)
Juvenile diabetes is primarily diagnosed in childhood. The pancreas is unable to produce insulin so the child cannot absorb glucose and exhibits excessive thirst, hunger, and urination.
Diabetes mellitus (Type 2)
Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common in America due to poor nutrition and lifestyle habits. With Type 2 diabetes, you cannot use insulin effectively or your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is similar to Type 2 diabetes, but your blood sugar level isn’t as high. You can still experience diabetes symptoms with elevated blood sugar levels.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women due to insulin resistance, likely caused by hormonal changes. Proper management is crucial for the health of both mother and baby.
What are the methods of diagnosing diabetes?
If your doctor suspects diabetes, he will perform tests to check your blood sugar levels. These include:
A1C
This test checks your average blood sugar over two to three months.
Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)
This test checks your blood sugar level after fasting for eight hours.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
This test checks your blood sugar level immediately after drinking a specialized glucose drink and again two hours later.
Random (also called casual) plasma glucose test
This is a blood test at any time to check blood sugar levels.
Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor determines the best testing and treatment for you.
What is the treatment for diabetes?
At Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians, your doctor takes a comprehensive approach to diabetes management and treatment. Diabetes education, lifestyle changes, and proper medication are essential components of care.
If you or a loved one needs help with diabetes, call Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians or schedule a consultation online today.
