Diabetes affects nearly 3 million Texans. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. At Family Practice, PA, in Hitchcock, Texas, our team understands the difficulties surrounding diabetes and offers treatment plans that fit your needs and lifestyle. If you need help managing your diabetes, call the office today or book an appointment online.
Diabetes is a medical condition that causes a rise in blood sugar level. When you eat certain foods, namely carbohydrates, your body processes them and turns them into energy for your cells. This energy is referred to as glucose.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps get the glucose from the blood into the cells. People with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin, known as Type 1 diabetes, or can’t properly use the insulin, known as Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects more people than Type 1.
If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar damages blood vessels and increases your risk of developing chronic illnesses such as heart and kidney disease, and may lead to blindness and limb amputation.
The symptoms of diabetes include:
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that you can manage with medication and lifestyle changes.
Insulin injections are necessary for people with Type 1 diabetes. For most people with Type 2 diabetes, the doctor may prescribe oral medications aimed at improving your blood sugar levels. About 40% of people with Type 2 diabetes might need insulin to manage blood sugar.
To manage your medication and blood sugar, you must do regular home blood sugar testing. Our staff teach you how to check and monitor your blood sugar. He uses your blood glucose numbers to make adjustments to your medication.
In addition to medication and blood sugar checks, diet and exercise also play an important role in the management of diabetes. Our team can help you develop an eating and exercise plan that fits your lifestyle.
Diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes, but there is no one diabetic diet. Our team works with you to develop an eating strategy aimed at managing your blood sugar.
Common diets for people with diabetes include:
All of these methods work by teaching you to control portions, especially the carb-containing foods. In addition to portion control, it’s also important that you eat on a fairly regular schedule and keep your meals about the same size from day to day. Consistency in meal timing and portion size helps aid in blood sugar control.
If you suspect you may have diabetes or need help managing your blood sugar, call Family Practice, PA, or book an appointment online.
