Our Services / Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes includes a group of diseases that affect blood glucose levels. Glucose comes from the food you eat and circulates in your blood to provide energy for all the cells in your body.

Your body uses the hormone insulin, which the pancreas makes, to get glucose from your blood into the cell. If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are higher than normal because of a problem with insulin.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are many types of diabetes. However, some are more common than others and include:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes can’t make insulin and must inject insulin to stay alive. 

Type 2 diabetes

With Type 2 diabetes, your insulin isn’t working like it should, causing an increase in blood glucose. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in women during pregnancy and goes away after the birth of the baby. However, women with a history of gestational diabetes are at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to have Type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, making lifestyle changes to improve blood glucose and health may prevent you from developing Type 2 diabetes. 

How do I know if I have Type 2 diabetes?

The Comprehensive Primary Care team performs a blood glucose test to diagnose Type 2 diabetes. They may recommend testing if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as an unusual increase in thirst or hunger, frequent urination, or unexpected weight loss.

However, not everyone with Type 2 diabetes has noticeable symptoms. The team screens for Type 2 diabetes if you have risk factors, such as:

• A body mass index (BMI) higher than 25
• A history of gestational diabetes
• A history of prediabetes
• A family history of diabetes

They also screen for Type 2 diabetes in all adults over the age of 45. 

How is diabetes treated?

The team at Comprehensive Primary Care customizes your diabetes treatment plan based on type, blood sugar numbers, and related health complications. 

However, the team emphasizes lifestyle changes to manage diabetes, including:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Getting regular physical activity
• Smoking cessation
• Weight loss treatment

Your treatment plan may also include medication to control your blood sugar, such as insulin injections or oral hypoglycemic medication. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin daily.

To schedule a diabetes consultation, call Comprehensive Primary Care or schedule an appointment online today.