Diabetes Q & A
Diabetes is a chronic condition that benefits from a healthy lifestyle and strong, continuous support from a trusted health care team. The experts at Annandale Primary Care of Annandale, Virginia, are committed to giving you everything you need for building healthy habits and helping you avoid serious complications from diabetes. For a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect every system of your body. It is a problem with how the body uses glucose (sugar), which is the primary energy source for your cells and body processes.
Diabetes is a problem with the production and use of insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is required for distributing and properly metabolizing blood glucose. Without insulin, or when insulin is inadequate, glucose accumulates in the blood, instead of getting to the cells and tissues in order for the body to operate properly.
This accumulation of glucose in the blood is what is commonly referred to as high blood sugar. High blood sugar levels are very damaging to the tissues of the body, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels can significantly impact every body system.
What are some kinds of diabetes?
Diabetes has two main types. These differ in how much insulin the body naturally produces.
- Type 1 diabetes: no, or very little, insulin production
- Type 2 diabetes: some, but not enough, insulin production
Gestational diabetes is another form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes can be varied, as multiple systems of your body are affected, and may include:
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Dry mouth
- Low energy or extreme fatigue
- Excessive urination
- Blurry vision
- Sores or wounds that are slow to heal
- Frequent infections
- Numbness or tingling of palms and bottoms of feet
The medical team at Annandale Primary Care diagnoses this condition by taking a full health history and symptom overview. They also take lab tests, like blood and urine levels.
What treatments are available for diabetes?
If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, your medical team takes exceptional care to help you understand your disease. Education is very important in managing diabetes well.
It’s important vital that you understand all of the aspects of your treatment plan, which include:
- Checking your blood sugar regularly
- Giving yourself insulin injections, if needed
- Eating a healthy diet
- Participating in adequate levels of activity
- Checking your skin for wounds
- Having regular check-ups and blood tests
You are not alone in your diabetes journey, because your team at Annandale Primary Care is with you every step of the way.
For a consultation about your diabetic symptoms or diabetes management, call the office or book an appointment online.
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Undiagnosed patients can unknowingly transmit the disease to others. Early diagnosis can help to prevent or stop an outbreak.
