Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you understand the importance of managing your blood sugar daily to keep it under control. Otherwise, you could suffer serious health complications. At Adult Health & Wellness Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, Muhammad Gondal, MD, FCCP, and his team have the expertise to help you manage your diabetes with lifestyle changes and medication, as needed, giving you the quality of life you deserve. Call during business hours today to book an appointment, or use the online scheduling tool at any time.   

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Both types of diabetes affect your ability to metabolize carbohydrates, but they develop from different causes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes typically occurs before age 14 but can develop at any age. This type occurs when your pancreas can’t produce insulin. Since insulin clears excess glucose out of your bloodstream, a lack of insulin causes high blood sugar. Type 1 is caused by genes, environmental factors, and viruses that might trigger the disease.

Type 2 diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes represents 90-95% of all cases of diabetes. It commonly occurs in adults over 45 but may appear earlier. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It can also cause you to develop insulin resistance, meaning your body can’t use all the available insulin.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms often appear suddenly in type 1 diabetes, which can take years to develop in type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of both types include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Increased hunger
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

During your evaluation, your practitioner can give you an accurate diagnosis to determine which type you might have.

What are the complications of poorly managed diabetes?

High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels. That’s why you need to keep it in a normal range.

When blood sugar is not adequately managed, you can develop complications, such as:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
• Tingling, numbness, and pain in your feet

If you show any out-of-the-ordinary signs, contact Adult Health & Wellness Center as soon as possible.

How is diabetes managed?

Adult Health & Wellness Center works with you to develop a customized management plan, which includes the steps you need to take to keep your blood sugar within normal limits.

They may recommend a diet that limits carbohydrate consumption and give guidance on losing weight and getting more exercise. These actions can help lower your blood sugar. Your practitioner might also prescribe medication to control your blood sugar.

Patients with type 1 diabetes, and some with type 2 diabetes, must take insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Whether you need help with ongoing diabetes management or you just noticed symptoms and need a diagnosis, call Adult Health & Wellness Center today or book an appointment online.