Diabetes is a chronic health disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. To understand diabetes, it helps to think about how this process works normally.
When you consume food, the carbohydrates (starches and sugars) in the food are converted into glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose moves through your bloodstream to nourish cells throughout your body.
In order for cells to access that glucose for immediate use or to store for later use, a hormone produced in the pancreas called insulin is necessary. Without proper levels of insulin, glucose builds up in your bloodstream and cells don’t get the fuel they need to thrive.
There are several different types of diabetes.
This form of diabetes occurs when your pancreas fails to produce insulin. It’s believed to be an autoimmune reaction, and there is no known cure or preventive measure.
This form of diabetes occurs when your body cannot make proper use of insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This form of diabetes is preventable and treatable through lifestyle modifications.
This form of diabetes develops in pregnant women. While the condition usually disappears after giving birth, women with gestational diabetes carry an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes for the rest of their lives.
Researchers believe that more than 88 million American adults have a condition called prediabetes, characterized by elevated blood sugar.
Many people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes do not notice symptoms, which is why it is so important to come in for routine health screenings and blood work.
When symptoms are present, they might include:
Any time you notice changes in the way you feel each day or in your overall health and wellness, it’s important to schedule a medical exam. Diabetes can be detected using simple blood testing, and Dr. Raja can quickly create a customized treatment plan.
Some people with diabetes need supplemental insulin to help their bodies properly convert food into energy and reduce excess glucose in their blood. There are many forms of insulin to choose from, including rapid-acting, long-acting, short-acting, and intermediate types. You might need a mix of these types to achieve optimal blood glucose levels.
Medications can also play a role in treating diabetes. Some drugs work to slow the release of glucose into your blood, while others change the way your body breaks down carbohydrates or responds to insulin.
Perhaps the most effective way to treat type 2 diabetes is through meaningful lifestyle modifications. Improving your diet and getting plenty of exercise is a great way to improve the way your body converts food into energy and can prevent or improve diabetes.
When you’re ready to learn more about diabetes care, call the office to set up a visit. Online booking is also an option and takes very little time to complete.