Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can negatively affect many aspects of your life. For those living in or around St. Louis, Missouri, partnering with Usman Javaid, MD, and Melody Wilkinson, AGPCNP, of Prevention First LLC is a great way to manage diabetes. Booking a visit is fast and easy whether you choose to connect with the practice online or by phone.
Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. When your body converts food into glucose, insulin is necessary to allow that glucose to enter cells throughout your body.
People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or can’t make effective use of the hormone. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
People with Type 1 diabetes have an autoimmune condition in which pancreatic tissues are mistakenly attacked by the immune system and can’t produce insulin. Those with Type 1 diabetes require supplemental insulin to survive.
By far the most common form of diabetes, Type 2 is strongly linked to being overweight or obese. People with this form of diabetes either produce insufficient insulin or can’t readily make use of their natural insulin supply.
When glucose can’t enter cells, those cells lack the fuel needed to thrive. Glucose, also known as “blood sugar,” accumulates in the bloodstream, reaching dangerous levels.
Scientists have identified a wide range of health complications linked to diabetes. Some of the problems you can develop if you have uncontrolled diabetes include:
These are just a few of the health conditions with a clear link to diabetes. Fortunately, treatment can help reduce blood sugar and provide cells with proper fuel.
Supplemental insulin is a common treatment for diabetes. There are a number of ways to administer synthetic insulin, which boosts your natural production and helps restore proper metabolic function. Insulin can be administered via inhalers, injections, pens, and pumps.
Several medications are available to help treat diabetes. Some drugs work to make your tissues more sensitive to insulin, while others help your body produce more insulin or change the way your intestines break down carbohydrates.
Lifestyle changes are one of the most effective ways to manage diabetes. Dietary improvements like replacing highly processed foods with more fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins may also help you lose excess weight. Getting enough exercise is also important.
When you’re ready to take action on treating diabetes, or if you want to know your current blood sugar readings and risk level for this disease, call Prevention First LLC directly or click to schedule a visit.