Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic, systemic illness that takes two forms:

Type 1 diabetes

This serious condition occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes, which is often diagnosed during childhood, is more likely to affect those who have a family history of the disorder.

Type 2 diabetes

Although it’s largely preventable, Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases. It develops when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or if your body has become resistant to insulin.

What are the signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

During the precursor stages of Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistance and prediabetes, disease symptoms are often mild or slow to emerge. When symptoms do become more apparent, they can vary greatly among individuals. The most common signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

• Extreme thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue and irritability
• Tingling in your extremities
• Numb hands or feet
• Frequent infections
• Sores that are slow to heal
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms that may indicate severe or uncontrolled diabetes include unusually bad breath, high blood pressure, rapid breathing, blurry vision, and darkening skin around your neck or in your armpits.

If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see Dr. Hasan and his team at one of their two locations as soon as you can.

Am I at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes?

Medical experts don’t know exactly what makes some people more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes, but they do know that having one or more of the following risk factors can increase your chances of developing the disease:

Being overweight and inactive

Being overweight or obese is the most significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes; not getting enough physical activity can also make you more likely to develop the disease.

Age and ethnicity

Your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases with age, especially once you reach your mid-40s. The disease is also more likely to affect you if you’re of Hispanic, African, or Native American descent.

Unhealthy blood pressure and lipid levels

Having blood pressure higher than 140/90 increases your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, as does having high triglyceride levels or low HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

When it comes to controlling Type 2 diabetes, early diagnosis is key to attaining the kind of intervention that can help you manage your condition, avoid complications, and live a long, healthy life.

Eating right, getting regular exercise, and taking your diabetes medications exactly as prescribed are key to maintaining optimal blood sugar levels and feeling healthy.

If you’re overweight, dropping a few pounds can help you manage your condition and keep it from progressing. That’s because excess fat stores amplify your body’s resistance to insulin, while losing weight helps normalize your body’s response to insulin.

Dr. Hasan and his team offer comprehensive care for patients with diabetes, ranging from early diagnosis to medical management and lifestyle interventions.

They stay up-to-date on the latest recommendations in diabetes care and control and are committed to helping you learn as much as you can about your condition so you feel empowered make healthy choices every day.

To find out more about diabetes management, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.