Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Prediabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition where your blood sugar, known as blood glucose, is too high. People with diabetes either do not produce insulin or do not produce insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to provide energy to your body. Without insulin, the glucose remains in your blood, which can cause serious medical conditions overtime.
There are three types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes: People with type 1 do not make insulin and must take insulin every day in order to live.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when your body does not properly make or use insulin well.
Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, but most often goes away following birth. However, women and the children of women who develop gestational diabetes during birth have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes down the road.
Complications from Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to other health problems down the road. The medical team at Total HealthcareMD is well trained in the management and prevention of diabetes. With our help, you may be able to avoid the complications below.
Complications of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiovascular or heart disease
Coronary artery disease
Chest pain (angina)
Heart attack
Stroke
Narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)
Kidney problems
Kidney failure
Kidney disease
Skin Conditions
Bacterial and fungal infections
Nerve damage
Tingling, numbness, burning or pain that typically begins in the fingers or toes
Erectile dysfunction
Digestion issues
Hearing impairment
Alzheimer’s Disease
Eye damage
Blindness
Retina damage
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Foot Damage
Serious infections
Toe, foot, or leg amputation
The complications associated with gestational diabetes differ from that of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Although most women who suffer from gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies, if left untreated, mothers and their babies are at risk of the following:
Gestational Diabetes Complications
Baby
Excessive growth (resulting in possible cesarean)
Low blood sugar
Greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes
Death
Mother
Preeclampsia
Subsequent gestational diabetes
Greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes
It is important for those with prediabetes and diabetes to adopt a wellness plan to avoid serious complications in the future. Studies have proven that lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising, and eating a healthy, balanced diet, can aid in reducing the progression of type 2 diabetes and are important for controlling type 1 and gestational diabetes.
Risk Factors of Diabetes
As with any disease, certain risk factors make you more susceptible to developing diabetes, such as the factors below.
Type 1 Diabetes
Family History
Disease of the pancreas
Certain infection or illness
Type 2 Diabetes
Overweight or obese
Prediabetes
Insulin resistance
Race (Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives are at higher risk)
Gestational Diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
Family History
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Age
Gestational Diabetes
Overweight or obese
Glucose intolerance
Family History
Age
Race (nonwhite women have the highest risk)
Tips for Managing and Preventing Diabetes
If you have diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes, following the tips below can go a long way in protecting your health.
Exercise: Exercising daily is an excellent way to control diabetes. Start slow and work up your endurance. Total HealthcareMD will work with you to create an exercise program to fit your lifestyle.
Follow a meal plan: Eating the correct foods and portions is very important for controlling blood sugar levels. For that reason, it is recommended to follow a meal plan that is approved by your doctor. Total HealthcareMD will customize a meal plan tailored to your individual needs.
Avoid smoking: Tobacco products are bad for your health and can make diabetes complications even worse. If you need assistance quitting, Total HealthcareMD can help.
Take Your Medications: Correctly taking your medications is important. Be sure to take them as prescribed and set daily reminders if you find yourself forgetting.
Take Care of Your Body: Check your feet regularly to look for cuts, sores, or skin problems and notify your doctor of anything suspicious. Also, get your eyes checked on a regular basis to ensure the health of your retinas.
Let Total HealthcareMD Help
If you are suffering from prediabetes or diabetes, now is the time to make a lifestyle change. The highly trained team at Total HealthcareMD can help you lose weight, eat healthy, and avoid serious medical conditions down the road. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.