Diabetes
A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). Diabetes is a condition that causes poor regulation of blood glucose. Your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that regulates blood sugar. It helps your cells use sugar for energy by removing it from your blood.
This process allows your organs and tissues to receive the energy they need. It also prevents sugar from accumulating in your blood.
Without sufficient insulin levels, sugar can build in your blood and weaken your blood vessels. This damage increases your risk of nerve damage, vision impairment, stroke, and other potentially serious complications.
What are the signs of diabetes?
The signs and symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and severity of your condition. Diabetes is easier to manage with early intervention, so recognizing the signs is essential for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased infections
- Tingling in the hands or feet
- Dry mouth
- Itchy skin
- Vision problems
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mood swingsSlow-healing wounds or sores
If you experience any of these symptoms for a lasting period, contact Zorumske Family Practice for a comprehensive evaluation.
What are the treatments for diabetes?
Diabetes treatment depends on the type you have. After a thorough health assessment and lab work, Toni may recommend:
- Diet changes
- Quitting smoking
- Diabetic foot care
- Frequent checkups
- Insulin therapy
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Increased exercise
- Oral medications
At Zorumske Family Practice, Toni works with you to ensure a personalized diabetes treatment plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Are there different types of diabetes?
There are several types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 Diabetes
A lifelong condition where the pancreas makes little or no insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels.
It’s not clear what causes type 1 diabetes. The body’s immune system, certain viruses and genes seem to play roles. People of any age can get this type of diabetes, but the condition often starts before adulthood. Having a family member with the disease can raise a person’s risk of getting it.
Type 2 Diabetes
A long-term condition in which the body has trouble controlling blood sugar and using it for energy.
With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lets sugar into cells to fuel muscles and other tissues. With this disease, cells also respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar. It’s not clear exactly what causes type 2 diabetes. But risk factors include being overweight and not active. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn’t used as fuel for energy. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and tends to be diagnosed in older people.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is consistently high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. While the condition usually resolves after childbirth, it can increase your future risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes means your blood sugar is too high but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. When addressed early, prediabetes is reversible.
More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. At Zorumske Family Practice in Sheridan, Wyoming, experienced family nurse practitioner Toni Orum, APRN, FNP-C, provides comprehensive diabetes care to reduce complications, relieve symptoms, and improve health outcomes. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
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