Diabetes Care
Our Physicians Give Expert Diabetes Care
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body is prevented from getting the energy it needs from glucose, which is found in food. Your body is able to use glucose because of the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. For a variety of reasons, people with diabetes are unable to use or produce the amount of insulin they need. Because of this, glucose levels in their bloodstream become too high. This results in a variety of health problems.
What's the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which either the body becomes resistant to insulin and is unable to use it right, or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. Type 2 diabetes shows up most commonly in adults, especially in people who are overweight or are not physically active. There is no current cure for type 2 diabetes, but it can be managed well with proper treatment, or even go into remission.
Diabetes Symptoms
Type 1 Diabetes Symptoms
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Exhaustion
- Blurry vision
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Exhaustion
- Blurry vision
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness in the hands or feet
- Slow healing sores
Diabetes Treatment Options
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Type 1 Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes taking insulin as well as diet and lifestyle changes. Changes include eating healthy, close monitoring of carbohydrate counts, and increased physical activity. In addition to this, people with type 1 diabetes require continual blood glucose level monitoring.
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Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
Treatment for type 2 diabetes includes medication and insulin pump therapy, as well as lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and physical activity, weight management, and healthy eating.
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Continuous Glucose Monitoring
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small device which attaches to the arm and uses a sensor to constantly read the level of glucose in the bloodstream. This helps diabetes patients keep track of glucose levels that may be too low or too high. It also decreases the need for finger prick tests.
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Insulin Pump Therapy
An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin into the body, mimicking the functions of the pancreas. It releases consistent, smaller amounts of insulin throughout the day, and releases additional amounts at mealtimes or whenever they are needed. Insulin pumps replace the need for multiple daily insulin shots.
How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable. You can take steps now to delay or prevent yourself from getting the condition later in life by eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight. These type of lifestyle changes are especially important for people at a high risk for diabetes. Some risk factors include being overweight, being inactive, and having a family history of diabetes.
You should consult a doctor to find out if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Participating in consistent preventative care, including tests and screenings to gauge your risk for diabetes, is strongly encouraged.