DIABETES

What is diabetes?

Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a complicated disorder that affects how your body uses glucose. Glucose is an important element of a healthy metabolism and is essential for the proper function of every body system. 

Diabetes is the result of a problem with the production of insulin, a hormone responsible for the proper distribution of glucose. When the body does not produce appropriate amounts of insulin, glucose is not able to enter the body’s cells as it should. 

This causes glucose to accumulate in the bloodstream, making your blood sugar level rise to dangerous levels. A constant elevation of blood sugar is damaging to every system of the body. 

The different kinds of diabetes are type I and type II. With type I diabetes, the body produces insignificant or no insulin on its own. With type II diabetes, a small, but insufficient amount of insulin is naturally produced. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms are often due to the body’s attempt to account for the hormonal and metabolic imbalances caused by diabetes. Because all body systems rely on the proper use of glucose, symptoms can be significant and varied. 

Some possible symptoms of diabetes are:

• Increased thirst

• Blurred vision

• Extreme hunger

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Frequent infections

• Slow-healing wounds

If you feel you may have diabetes, it is important that you have a proper evaluation to prevent possible serious, long-term complications. Dr. Russell-Little checks blood work and a urine sample to confirm a diagnosis of diabetes.

What are the long-term complications of diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic, incurable disorder. It requires a lifetime of proper management to prevent serious complications such as:

• Nerve damage

• Heart disease

• Impaired circulation

• Impaired vision

• Stroke

• Dementia

• Vision loss

• Hearing loss

• Skin sores

• Systemic infections

Following your prescribed treatment plan and ongoing monitoring of your blood sugar are imperative to avoid such complications of diabetes. 

What treatments are available for diabetes?

Dr. Russell-Little creates a plan of care specific to your type of diabetes and your individual symptoms. Treatments may include:

• Synthetic insulin injections

• Oral medications

• Nutritional counseling

• Exercise program

Annual exams and regular glucose checks should be part of your diabetic management.

For your personalized diabetes management plan, call or book an appointment.