Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insufficient insulin production and use. Your pancreas produces insulin, which is a hormone that plays a critical role in converting food into energy. 

When you eat, a portion of that food is converted into glucose, a type of sugar that works as fuel for your cells. Glucose travels through your bloodstream to nourish your cells, and insulin is required for glucose to be able to pass through cell walls. 

Type 1 diabetes

People with this type of diabetes do not produce sufficient insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks pancreatic cells. People with Type 1 diabetes need supplemental insulin to survive. 

Type 2 diabetes

By far the most common form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to lifestyle choices, especially being overweight or obese. People with Type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or cannot make proper use of the insulin that is produced. 

There are also several less common types of diabetes. Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but the condition usually resolves after childbirth. 

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Fortunately, understanding your risk level for diabetes and getting a proper diagnosis is a simple and straightforward process. Simple lab testing can detect the volume of glucose in your bloodstream. 

Having high glucose levels is the leading indicator of diabetes, and your lab results can also determine if you are nearing the threshold for diabetes diagnosis (known as prediabetes).

This is one of many reasons why it is so important to come in for routine physical exams. Basic screening options can reveal a wealth of information about how your body is functioning and provide everything you need to take active control of your health. 

What kinds of treatments can help with diabetes?

Medications might play a role in treating your diabetes. Supplemental insulin is a common approach and can be administered via injection or an insulin pump. However, you’ll need to learn how to track your blood sugar to effectively manage your insulin supplementation. 

Other drug options help prompt your pancreas to release more insulin, inhibit your liver from releasing excess glucose, make your tissues more sensitive to insulin, or prohibit your kidneys from reabsorbing glucose from your blood. It often takes a combination of medications to achieve optimal results. 

Lifestyle modifications are also a powerful way to bring your blood glucose down to healthier levels. Making positive changes to your daily diet is a great way to begin and is often easier than many people believe. 

By working with GP Family Care Mesa, you’ll have the guidance and support needed to navigate diabetes treatment and enhance your quality of life. Book your visit online or by phone today to get started.