Diabetes is increasing in frequency in the population. As a result, it’s important that you become proactive in understanding the condition and recognizing the symptoms. By learning more, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the challenges associated with diabetes. In this latest post, our Freeman Endocrinology team will provide a full overview on diabetes, its causes, and its treatments.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is actually a group of diseases in which the person has high blood glucose levels. This can be due to an inadequate supply of insulin in the body or because the body does not respond effectively to insulin being produced. There are three main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes
People who have type-1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives. The condition is diagnosed when the body does not produce any insulin, and is usually recognized well before the patient’s 40th birthday. It’s sometimes referred to as early-onset diabetes.
- Type 2 Diabetes
People with type-2 have bodies that don’t produce enough insulin. This type of diabetes can be managed with lifestyle modifications in its early states. Some people are able to control insulin production by losing weight and improving their exercise regimen. However, type-2 diabetes can be a progressive condition and usually leads to the patient needing to take some form of daily medication.
- Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes impacts females during pregnancy. The condition arises because some pregnant women develop very high levels of blood glucose and their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin to transport the glucose to their cells, which then results in rising glucose levels. Fortunately, the majority of cases involving gestational diabetes can be controlled by diet and exercise.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Before you begin to question whether you might be experiencing diabetes-related health issues, it’s important that you know more about the symptoms of the disease. These symptoms can include the following:
- Unusual thirst levels
- Frequent urination
- Recurring infections
- Extreme lack of energy
- Weight change
- Tingling in the hands and feet
Contact Freeman Endocrinology for Diabetes Treatment
If you recognize one or more of these symptoms over a prolonged period, it might be time to speak with an Endocrinologist about having your blood glucose levels tested. Our team at Freeman Endocrinology can guide you on the testing process and ensure the ideal treatment for your unique health challenges. To learn more, book an appointment today!