In 2015, around 30.3 million people in the United States had diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, and the numbers are skyrocketing with each passing year. At CareMD in La Mesa, California, the compassionate medical team led by board-certified physicians, has extensive experience preventing, diagnosing, and treating diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts the way your body processes blood sugar, also known as glucose. Glucose is used by your body as an energy source.

Your pancreas is a small organ located near your stomach that releases a hormone called insulin when sugar enters your body. Insulin helps to keep your blood sugar levels regulated by directing excess blood sugar into your cells to be utilized for energy.

When your body can’t properly produce or respond to insulin, your blood sugar rises. Over time, high blood sugar levels can turn to diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Early diagnosis of diabetes need not necessarily cause any symptoms. Diabetes symptoms vary. Symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Frequent urination
  • Vision complications
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Excess thirst and hunger

Some diabetics get regular infections, including vaginal, skin, or gum infections.

The team at CareMD aggressively manages diabetes in order to prevent all the deadly complications, such as blindness, strokes, memory loss, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney damage/failure, severe pain due to neuropathy, amputation, and others.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are four types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Your immune system usually attacks harmful viruses and bacteria. When you have type 1 diabetes, your immune system starts attacking your pancreatic cells that create insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t respond properly to insulin or doesn’t create enough insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented and treated through diet and lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are above average but not high enough to be diabetes. Prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes over time and should serve as a warning of an increased risk for diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically subsides after childbirth.

What causes diabetes?

The cause of diabetes isn’t clear and various factors might be involved, such as:

  • Aging
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Genetics
  • Hormones
  • Family history
  • Certain medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, high cholesterol, and hypertension

Diabetes can lead to concerning complications, such as nerve damage and cardiovascular disease.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

The team at CareMD offers effective treatments for diabetes management, including:

  • Oral medications and insulin
  • Lifestyle changes, including nutrition, smoking cessation, fitness plans, exercise, sleep quality, and stress management
  • Supplements and vitamins
  • Blood sugar monitoring

Your provider analyzes important factors that might be exacerbating your diabetes, such as diet and sleep quality. Revolutionary developments of phenomenal medications have evolved recently, which not only prevent many of these complications, but also allow patients to live longer and healthier lives. The team will fight with your insurance companies to make these life-saving medications available to you.

Call our office or book online to boost your wellness and regulate your blood sugar.