Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is the name for a group of conditions that affect the way your body uses the sugar — also called glucose — in your blood. Some sugar in your blood is essential. Without it, your cells wouldn’t have a source for the energy they need. But too much blood sugar can cause symptoms like:
- Increased hunger and thirst
- Fatigue
- Vision problems
- Sores that heal slowly
- Increased urination
- Irritability
What’s more, left unchecked, excess glucose in your bloodstream heightens your risk for serious health complications like:
- Neuropathy
- Cardiovascular disease
- Vision loss
- Foot damage
- Kidney problems
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is critical when you have diabetes. The best way to do that depends on the type of diabetes you have.
What are the most common types of diabetes?
The most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes
This type of diabetes causes your immune system to attack the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone your body uses to convert blood sugar to energy for your cells. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in your bloodstream.
Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life because of your body’s increased resistance to insulin over time. This increased resistance causes heightened blood sugar levels. Your body’s resistance to the action of insulin is linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices like an imbalanced diet and lack of physical activity.
How is diabetes treated?
If you have Type 1 diabetes, regularly taking insulin allows your body to properly use the glucose in your bloodstream and protect your long-term health. The team at North Georgia Endocrinology also offers their patients insulin pumps.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may be able to restore your body’s ability to properly use insulin by making lifestyle modifications. Eating a healthier diet, regularly exercising, managing stress, and making other changes is an effective course of treatment for many patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Your North Georgia Endocrinology provider works with you to find the best treatment for you. They always strive to give you access to the latest, most effective treatments available today. They regularly host clinical trials so their diabetes patients can get early access to leading-edge treatment options.
If you want to learn more about your choices for treatment of diabetes, call North Georgia Endocrinology, or schedule your appointment online today.