Learn More About Diabetes Management
It’s estimated that more than 4 million people have diabetes in California alone. If not well managed, diabetes can lead to other health complications such as heart disease or neuropathy. The experienced team at Beach Physicians Medical Group in Huntington Beach, California, specializes in diabetes care and can help you manage the disease and prevent or minimize it’s related complications. For comprehensive care of your diabetes, call the office today.
DIABETES MANAGEMENT Q&A
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by higher than normal blood sugar. The sugar in your blood, also referred to as glucose, serves as the preferred source of energy for the cells in your body. Insulin, which is made in your pancreas, is a hormone that helps get the sugar from your blood into your cells to supply the needed energy.
If you have diabetes, your sugar isn’t able to get into your cells either because you’re not making enough insulin or because the insulin you do make isn’t working as it should. Over time, if your blood sugar remains elevated, it begins to damage your blood vessels and organs and increases your risk of various health issues, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy.
The underlying cause of your diabetes depends on how your insulin is affected, which also determines the type of diabetes you have. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. With Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin and you must supplement with insulin injections to manage your blood sugar.
Researchers aren’t certain why certain people are at risk of Type 1 diabetes, but one theory is that it may be a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Type 1 diabetes most often develops during childhood.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes. With this type of diabetes, your pancreas is producing insulin but it’s not working like it should, resulting in higher than normal blood sugars.
Type 2 diabetes often develops from a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices. You may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if it runs in your family, you’re overweight or obese, or you don’t engage in regular exercise. Type 2 diabetes also more often develops in adults as they get older.
The experienced team at Beach Physicians Medical Group uses a combination of methods to help you gain control over your diabetes. The exact treatment varies from person to person and depends on the type of diabetes you have, your usual blood sugar levels, and your lifestyle.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Oral hypoglycemics or insulin
- Diet modification
- Regular exercise
If you’re overweight or obese, weight loss may help improve your blood sugar levels as well.
For expert care of your diabetes, call Beach Physicians Medical Group to book an appointment today.
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