Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body uses glucose, the preferred energy source for all the cells in your body. 

Glucose comes from the food you eat. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it triggers the release of insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas that moves glucose from the blood into the cell.

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are too high because of insulin-related problems. Your pancreas may no longer produce insulin, insufficient insulin to lower blood glucose, or the insulin cannot properly do its job.

Too much glucose in your blood damages blood vessels and organs, putting you at risk of developing other health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, or neuropathy.  

What are the early signs of diabetes?

Early signs of diabetes depend on the type you have. With type 1 diabetes, your pancreas no longer produces insulin, and symptoms develop quickly. With type 2 diabetes, you still make insulin, but it’s not working as well as it should, and symptoms develop gradually.

Some of the early signs and symptoms you may experience with diabetes include:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst and hunger
• Wounds that won’t heal
• Tingling in the toes and fingers

With type 2 diabetes, many people may not notice their symptoms or dismiss them as a normal part of their aging process. 

At Clinic Time, Dr. Faltas provides primary care services that include diabetes screenings. Finding diabetes during the early stages may help prevent or delay complications. 

What lifestyle changes do I need to make to manage diabetes?

When it comes to diabetes management, Dr. Faltas focuses on lifestyle changes. These include:

Good nutrition

What you eat directly affects your blood glucose. Dr. Faltas helps you create an eating plan that fits your lifestyle and keeps your blood glucose numbers within the normal range.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise burns extra glucose. Dr. Faltas offers guidance on increasing physical activity throughout the day and exercises that suit your fitness level.

Weight management

Dr. Faltas helps you create healthy habits that make it easy to maintain your ideal weight.

Dr. Faltas also prescribes medication to help with diabetes management. But with proper coaching and lifestyle changes, you can improve your diabetes without medication.

To learn more about diabetes management, call Clinic Time or schedule a consultation online today.