Diabetes

Are you at risk of diabetes, feel thirsty often, or need to urinate much more than usual? It’s vital to undergo diabetes screening if you have disease risk factors. At ProHealth Primary Care in Pembroke Pines, Florida, experienced physicians Shane Joukar, MD, and Kyle Petersen, DO, offer diabetes testing and treatments that stabilize blood sugar and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications. Schedule a diabetes appointment by phone or request one online today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that’s common, particularly among adults over age 40. It diminishes your body’s ability to regulate levels of sugar in your bloodstream (blood sugar). Genetics and lifestyle habits can both play roles in diabetes development. Detecting and treating diabetes early is vital to prevent organ damage and other complications.

Which symptoms can diabetes cause?

Diabetes can cause the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Weight loss without trying
• Slow-healing sores
• Blurred vision
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Frequent infections 

However, you may not have any symptoms during the early stages of the disease. That’s why if you’re at risk of developing diabetes, routine disease screenings are vital.

When not treated effectively, diabetes can cause complications — such as blood vessel and heart diseases, kidney damage, nerve problems, and heart issues. You may also experience eye or foot damage, skin abnormalities, hearing impairment, depression, or dementia. 

What are the various types of diabetes?

The following are common types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes often develops during childhood. Your body doesn’t make enough insulin to properly control blood sugar levels (move sugar from your blood into other cells in the body).

Type 2 diabetes

Your body can’t properly use insulin if you have Type 2 diabetes. You also may not make enough insulin. Common risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being over 40 and unhealthy lifestyle habits rather than genetics.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes causes high blood sugar, but the levels aren’t yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is reversible. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It may go away after you deliver your baby.

What increases my risk of diabetes?

Carrying excess weight, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits, a family history of diabetes, and being over age 40 can increase your chance of some types of diabetes. However, Type 2 diabetes rates are increasing among younger adults and even teenagers.

How is diabetes diagnosed and treated? 

Diagnosing diabetes involves a simple blood test to assess your blood sugar levels. Your provider also discusses your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits — and completes a physical exam.

Treating diabetes involves making lifestyle changes, taking oral medications, using insulin injections or an insulin pump, or a combination of more than one treatment. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight makes blood sugar control easier. It might reduce your need to take medications or allow for smaller dosages.

Check your blood sugar levels at home and follow up with the ProHealth Primary Care team regularly.

Schedule a diabetes appointment at ProHealth Primary Care by phone or request one online today.