Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to turn food into energy because of insulin resistance. Because of a decreased ability to produce the hormone insulin, your body regulates glucose incorrectly leading to dangerous levels of sugar in the bloodstream. There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes
Patients with type 1 diabetes do not have the ability to produce insulin because of a weakened immune system that attacks the pancreas. This is the most dangerous type of diabetes that relies on insulin injections and long-term medical care.
 
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be caused by diet, preexisting medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and poor lifestyle choices. Patients with type 2 diabetes can sometimes be treated with simple lifestyle changes and/or oral medications. More severe cases of type 2 diabetes will need insulin therapy.
 
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can be controlled through a special nutritional plan, consistent blood glucose testing, and insulin therapy. Once you’ve given birth, your gestational diabetes will likely go away on its own.

Symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• Increased need to urinate
• Chronic fatigue
• Inflammation
• Significant changes in weight
• Difficulty losing weight
• Numb hands and feet
• Tingling in hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Dry skin
• Discoloration of the skin, bumpy skin, rashes, open sores, and wounds
• Dry mouth
• Itchy skin
• Chronic yeast infections
• Nausea and vomiting

Diabetes can be managed through diet, nutrition, oral medication, and insulin therapy. On top of these treatments, frequent blood sugar testing and carbohydrate counting are essential in diabetes management. Lowering glucose levels and keeping track of these levels will prevent life-threatening complications. Discuss with your doctor an emergency action plan if you suddenly go into an extreme hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic state.

It can take anywhere from three to six months to get diabetes under control and regulate blood sugar levels. Once your glucose is normal, you will still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and in many cases, continue taking the appropriate medications. Patients with diabetes will need to see their doctor regularly to make sure the condition stays under control and that the treatment plan is working effectively.

If you have any symptoms of diabetes or need support after diagnosis, Integrated HealthCare of South Florida can help. Our team of diabetes specialists can offer you the emotional and health support you need to effectively manage your condition. Through healthy lifestyle changes and medication, you can live a long and happy life. For further information on diabetes management, please feel free to give our reception a call and we would be more than happy to schedule you in with one of our kind specialists. Getting an initial diagnosis can be overwhelming, but we assure you that with the right help, diabetes can be controlled and your quality of life can remain more than ideal. Our team looks forward to helping you through this journey to health and wellness! We serve patients from Coral Springs FL, Coconut Creek FL, Margate FL, Parkland FL, Tamarac FL, Boca Raton FL, Sunrise FL, Lauderdale Lakes FL, and nearby areas.