Health

Everything You Need to Know About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic health complication that affects the rate at which your body converts food into energy. Naturally, your body converts most of the food you consume into sugar and distributes it into your bloodstream. The hormone insulin in your body helps move sugar from your bloodstream into your cells to be converted into energy. For people with diabetes, their bodies either do not effectively use the insulin it produces or does not produce enough insulin. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe damage to your kidneys, heart, eyes, nerves, and other body organs. In this post, we will look at the possible treatments for diabetes New York.

 What are the Different Types of Diaree different main types of diabetes include:

  • Type 1 diabetes. This is a type of diabetes where your immune system damages the body cells in your pancreas, where insulin is produced.
  • Type 2 diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that is triggered when your body is unable to manage the insulin levels, causing an accumulation of sugar in your bloodstream.
  • Gestational diabetes. This is a type of diabetes that is caused by the insulin-resistant hormone produced by your placenta. Gestational diabetes is very common among pregnant women prone to increased blood sugar levels.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Generally, diabetes symptoms are caused by an abnormal increase of sugar in your blood levels. Below are some of the main symptoms of diabetes:

  • Fatigue
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Abnormal weight loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Decreased sexual interest
  • Increased thirst
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Frequent urination
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Yeast infections
  • Low muscle strength

 What are Risk Factors for Diabetes?

Several factors potentially increase your chances of having diabetes. They include:

  • Obesity
  • Above the age of 45
  • Physically inactive
  • Had a parent or sibling with diabetes
  • Have pre-diabetes
  • Among certain ethnic and racial groups

Diagnosis

Diabetes is usually diagnosed by your doctor monitoring your glucose levels in a blood test. There are three main tests that your practitioner can use to check your glucose levels such as random glucose test, glycated hemoglobin test, and fasting glucose test, as explained below:

  • Random glucose test. Unlike the fasting glucose test, this test can be performed anytime without fasting.
  • Fasting glucose test. This medical test is usually performed in the morning after eight hours with nothing to drink or eat except water.
  • Glycated hemoglobin test. This test measures your blood glucose levels after a night of fasting. You are then given a sugary beverage, and your glucose levels are monitored at one-hour intervals.

Treatment

Generally, diabetes treatment usually depends on the type of diabetes you have, how well you manage your blood glucose levels, and other pre-existing medical conditions. Below are some of the available treatments for the different types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes. Treatment entails taking insulin daily.
  • Type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can prescribe medications, insulin, and various lifestyle modifications such as eating a balanced diet, being more physically engaged, and losing excess weight.
  • Gestational diabetes. Treatment involves eating healthy meals and performing regular physical exercises.

East Side Primary Medical Care is a well-known healthcare center serving the residents living in and around the Upper East Side with comprehensive treatment options for diabetes. Led by Daniel Klein, MD, and the team of highly skilled medical experts, guarantee to provide exceptional medical care services to help improve your overall well-being. Get started today and book an appointment or call us at 680-206-2794.