Diabetes

Diabetes affects millions of people of all ages, from children to seniors. At Magnolia Family Medicine in Magnolia, Texas, the staff is skilled in the long-term management of diabetes, helping patients avoid complications like kidney damage, vision loss, limb amputations, and other serious issues. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling the office or reaching out online.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that develops when the blood sugar levels are unhealthy. Normally, blood sugar (or glucose) provides energy for cells throughout the body, helping to maintain normal tissue and organ function. 

But when glucose levels are too high, serious complications like organ damage can occur. There are two primary types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when the body is inefficient in its use of insulin.

Diabetes can also develop during pregnancy. This type of diabetes is called gestational diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood test to assess glucose levels. Urine testing may also be performed to look for glucose levels in the urine that may indicate kidney problems.

What complications can diabetes cause?

When glucose levels are not kept under control, diabetes can cause:

• unconsciousness

• kidney disease and kidney failure

• vision problems and blindness

• hearing loss

• nerve damage and pain

• an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke

• dementia

People with diabetes are also at a significantly increased risk for nerve and circulation problems in the feet and lower legs, resulting in slow-to-heal sores, infections, and, sometimes, amputations of the toes, feet, or legs.

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes requires ongoing management of blood sugar levels to reduce the risks of serious complications. Patients with diabetes will need to watch their diet to avoid consuming too much sugar, and they'll need to monitor their blood sugar levels throughout the day to ensure the levels remain under control.

Insulin may also be prescribed to help stabilize glucose levels throughout the day. Insulin can be administered through injections or pills (depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's own risk factors), and it must be administered at specific times to maintain steady glucose levels throughout the day.

Regular office visits and lab tests will help ensure the insulin dosing remains effective, as well as look for signs of developing complications. To learn more about diabetes management, schedule an appointment with Magnolia Family Medicine by phone or online today.