Diabetes & Diabetes Prevention Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of health conditions that interferes with the way your body uses insulin to convert blood sugar into energy. 

This results in high glucose levels, which can cause damage to your nerves, blood vessels, and organs. There are three common types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. 

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin. Medical researchers believe Type 1 diabetes is the result of an autoimmune disorder that destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. It’s often diagnosed in childhood and has a strong genetic risk.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t use insulin correctly. Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adulthood, although the average age of onset is getting younger. Type 2 diabetes also has a genetic factor, but in many cases, your lifestyle choices can lead to the disease.

Gestational diabetes

Some women develop gestational diabetes during their second trimester of pregnancy. The placenta produces a hormone that interferes with the way your body uses insulin. 

You may have a higher risk of gestational diabetes if you’re 25 or older, have a personal or family history of gestational diabetes, or if you have a BMI of 30 or higher. Gestational diabetes usually goes away soon after you give birth, but does increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes

Out of the 100 million Americans who are affected by diabetes, around 84 million of them have prediabetes. Prediabetes occurs when you have elevated blood sugar levels, but your levels aren’t high enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for full-blown diabetes. 

The good news is that if you have prediabetes, you can usually take action to get your blood sugar under control with lifestyle adjustments before it affects your health.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

If you have Type 1 diabetes, your symptoms are severe and develop rapidly. However, if you have Type 2 or gestational diabetes, you might not have any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. Nonetheless, some of the common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Slowly healing sores
• Frequent infections

When left untreated, diabetes damages your blood vessels and nerves, leading to a wide range of complications, including neuropathy, foot ulcers, and diabetic retinopathy. These conditions are leading causes of amputation and blindness. 

How can I prevent diabetes?

Although you can’t prevent Type 1 diabetes, you can take steps to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes and reverse prediabetes. Dr. Revoredo provides customized advice and diabetes prevention plans, but in general, you can:

• Cut sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet
• Get more physical activity — even a 30-minute walk after dinner can make a difference
• Drink more water, and cut out sugary juices and soft drinks
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products

Call Elite Premier Medical Care, or make an appointment online today for expert, customized treatment for diabetes and diabetes prevention care.