Diabetes is a common disease, affecting individuals of all ages. While it can cause serious health problems, it is also manageable. Understanding the facts, signs and treatment of diabetes can help you keep your symptoms under control and your body functioning properly.
Dr. Dan Hoyumpa at Texan Family Clinic in San Antonio can help answer all your questions about diabetes and keep you in good health.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes happens when the body is unable to produce insulin, or unable to properly utilize it. Type 1 diabetes more commonly appears in adolescents, while Type 2 is more often found in adults.
What are the signs of diabetes?
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Prolonged blurred vision
- Numbness in your feet or legs
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Nausea
- Increased, unexplained hunger.
- Dehydration, possibly causing dry mouth or itchy, flaking skin
- Slow to heal of cuts and sores
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Your San Antonio doctor will likely perform a diagnostic test, measuring your glucose levels. For a fasting plasma glucose test, you will need to fast for eight hours, while for an oral glucose tolerance test you will fast but then drink a high glucose beverage prior to testing. A random glucose test can be done regardless of when you last ate.
What health problems can be caused by diabetes?
Undiagnosed or untreated diabetes may lead to:
- Kidney damage
- Eye damage
- Nerve damage
- Stroke
- Heart disease
How is diabetes managed?
If you have Type 1 diabetes, your San Antonio, TX, doctor will likely prescribe insulin. Type 2 diabetics may need insulin or other medication. In addition, a high fiber, low glycemic diet, weight management, exercise, and monitoring of your blood sugar level is important.
If you have more questions or concerns about your diabetes, call Texan Family Clinic today at (210) 562-3125.