Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body regulates sugar in your bloodstream. Without proper treatment, it causes high blood sugar and can lead to complications, some of which are serious. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin. The condition occurs because of autoimmune factors and isn’t lifestyle-based. 

With Type 2 diabetes, you’re not able to use insulin the right way. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. 

Weight loss is a common treatment for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, which is a condition that occurs when blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes often occurs before developing diabetes. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Slow-healing sores
• Blurry vision
• Frequent infections

Complications linked with untreated diabetes include heart problems, kidney damage, nerve damage, foot problems, eye damage, skin issues, hearing problems, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

What are the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Older age
• Gestational diabetes in women
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is the best way to reduce your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

How does my doctor diagnose diabetes?

Your doctor can diagnose diabetes after discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and completing a physical exam. They also order blood tests and evaluate their results before making a final diagnosis and developing an effective treatment.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

The main treatments for diabetes include:

Weight loss

Weight loss can help you better control blood sugar when you have diabetes. Advanced Surgeons specialists offer nutrition counseling, weight loss surgery, weight loss medications, hormone therapy, dietary supplements, support groups, and other medical weight loss solutions.

Healthy habits

Eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and not smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol are ways to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or better manage the condition.

Oral medicines

Taking oral medications can help you manage blood sugar levels when you have diabetes.

Insulin injections

Insulin injections help control blood sugar levels when your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone on its own. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin, while Type 2 may or may not.

To learn more about weight loss services available to treat diabetes at Advanced Surgeons, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.