What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes your blood glucose level to be higher than normal. Glucose, which comes from the foods you consume, provides your cells with the energy necessary to perform all of your body’s functions. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas that helps get the glucose from your blood to your cells. The main types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 diabetes: your pancreas makes no insulin or not enough
• Type 2 diabetes: your body can’t properly use the insulin your pancreas makes
  
  

Type 1 diabetes tends to develop in childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 diabetes occurs more often in adults. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Your symptoms may vary depending on your blood sugar level and whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Common symptoms include:

• Dry mouth and extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Constant hunger
• Fatigue
• Moodiness
• Blurry vision
• Sores that won’t heal
  
  

Type 2 diabetes can sneak up on you. Annual visits to A+ Total Care can help you stay aware of your health and help catch changes in your blood sugar early, which may prevent diabetes altogether.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Your health care professionals at A+ Total Care can diagnose diabetes by performing certain tests, including:

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test

The A1C test is a measurement that assesses blood sugar levels over a three month period. If your A1C is 6.5% or greater on two tests, then your health care expert may diagnose you with diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test

A fasting test checks your blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. If your number is 126 mg/dL or greater on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test

During an oral glucose tolerance test, your health care practitioner will have you drink a sugar solution and then test your blood sugar over a two-hour period. If your blood sugar is 200 mg/dL or greater after two hours, you may have diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition, but it can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication. Your health care experts at A+ Total Care will develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs and makes the most improvement in your blood sugar levels.

To get help managing diabetes, call A+ Total Care, or schedule an appointment online. The office is open seven days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome.