Diabetes
Compassionate and Trusted Diagnosis and Care for Diabetes
A timely and accurate diagnosis of diabetes is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Once diagnosed, compassionate care becomes essential in providing ongoing support to individuals with diabetes. This involves educating patients on self-management techniques such as monitoring blood sugar levels, administering insulin injections if necessary, adhering to medication regimens, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices like regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Diabetes care should also include regular follow-up visits with healthcare professionals who can monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, trusted diagnosis and compassionate care entail addressing emotional well-being by offering psychological support and counseling services to help individuals cope with the challenges associated with living with diabetes.
Find support for your diabetes management at Founders Family Medicine. We provide diagnosis and treatment for diabetes in patients of all ages.
To schedule your visit, call 303‑688‑8666.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels and impaired insulin production or utilization. As a result, the body isn’t processing food properly to produce energy. Instead, sugars build up in the blood leading to health complications.
There are different types of diabetes, including Type 1 and Type 2. The CDC estimates around 10% of people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes, with over 90% of diabetics having Type 2 diabetes.
Managing blood glucose levels through a healthy lifestyle is crucial in preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage that can arise from long-term high blood sugar levels. By being aware of the different types of diabetes, risk factors, and symptoms, individuals can better understand the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and regular medical check-ups for effective management.
The Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, occurs due to autoimmune or genetic factors and is not related to lifestyle choices. It cannot be cured and is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
On the other hand, Type 2 Diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is closely linked to lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. The increasing rates of childhood obesity have contributed to more cases of Type 2 Diabetes in children. While it can be managed with changes in diet and exercise, some patients may also need insulin in addition to lifestyle modifications.
Gestational diabetes is a condition where the body produces insufficient insulin during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that facilitates the entry of blood sugar into the body’s cells for energy.
During pregnancy, the body experiences hormonal changes and other physiological changes, including weight gain. These changes result in decreased insulin sensitivity, known as insulin resistance, and an increased demand for insulin. During late pregnancy, all pregnant women experience some level of insulin resistance. However, certain women may have pre-existing insulin resistance before becoming pregnant. These women begin pregnancy with a heightened insulin requirement and are at a greater risk for developing gestational diabetes.
It is important for individuals at risk of developing either type of diabetes to undergo regular screening and diagnosis. Failure to diagnose or treat diabetes can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness.
What is Pre-Diabetes?
Prediabetes is a condition that affects individuals who have slightly high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It is a state where the blood sugar level is higher than normal but not yet considered as diabetes. Prediabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to elevated glucose levels in the blood. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, can help manage this condition.
There are several risk factors associated with prediabetes, including obesity, a family history of diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and certain ethnic backgrounds. Monitoring glucose levels regularly can help identify prediabetes early so that appropriate interventions can be taken.
Individuals with prediabetes must work closely with a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support in managing this condition. By making necessary lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise, individuals with prediabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Glucose
Glucose plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and is influenced by various factors. When it comes to diabetes, glucose becomes even more important as it serves as the main source of energy for our body’s cells. After a meal, when blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin to signal cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and provide cells with the energy they need.
Diabetes can be categorized into two types, each with its issues related to insulin. In type 1 diabetes, there is a lack of insulin production due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. As a result, glucose cannot enter cells efficiently without insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where cells do not respond effectively to insulin signals. This causes blood sugar levels to remain elevated as glucose stays in circulation instead of being taken up by cells for energy.
Several factors can affect glucose regulation, including diet, physical activity level, stress levels, medications, and overall health status. For individuals with diabetes, it is crucial to manage their blood sugar levels through appropriate lifestyle changes and/or medication use. This helps prevent complications associated with consistently high or low blood sugar levels.
Understanding how these factors affect glucose regulation can help individuals with diabetes make informed choices about managing their condition and achieving optimal health outcomes.
How Insulin Works
Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and helping cells take up glucose.
Insulin is primarily produced by specialized cells in the pancreas called insulin-producing beta cells. These cells constantly monitor blood sugar levels and release insulin when glucose concentrations are high. This hormone then signals various tissues throughout the body, allowing them to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
Once insulin is released into the bloodstream, it binds to receptors on target cells like muscle, fat, and liver cells. This interaction triggers a series of signals within the cells, resulting in an increased number of glucose transporters being inserted into cell membranes. These transporters help move glucose from the extracellular fluid into the cell, where it can be used as energy or stored for later use.
Insulin’s effects help maintain normal glucose levels within a narrow range, preventing both high blood sugar and low blood sugar. Insulin also promotes glycogen synthesis in liver and muscle cells, converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage. When needed, this stored glycogen can be broken down back into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis.
Who is At Risk for Diabetes?
For Type 2 diabetes, the risk factors are easier to identify. Individuals with the following risk factors have a higher occurrence of Type 2 diabetes:
One significant risk factor is weight. Being obese or having excess body weight increases the chances of developing both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.
Another important factor is a sedentary lifestyle, which means not getting enough physical activity. Regular exercise can help prevent or manage diabetes.
Genetic and environmental factors also play a role in diabetes. Having a family history of diabetes makes it more likely to develop the condition, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Certain ethnic groups, like African Americans, have a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to others.
Diabetes is also linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease and kidney disease. People with these conditions may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes, or vice versa.
Healthcare professionals often conduct blood tests, like fasting glucose tests or oral glucose tolerance tests, to determine if someone has diabetes or is at risk for it.
Recognizing these risks early on allows for preventive measures through lifestyle changes and appropriate medical interventions if needed.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Complications of Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes can lead to long-term complications that can greatly impact the body’s systems and organs.
One complication is diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina. This condition can cause vision loss and, if left untreated, even lead to blindness.
Another complication is kidney damage and kidney failure. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys, resulting in a condition called diabetic nephropathy. If not properly managed, this can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Individuals with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Elevated blood glucose levels contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
To prevent or minimize these complications, individuals with diabetes should focus on maintaining stable blood sugar levels. This can be achieved through proper management strategies such as adhering to medication, regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, and adopting a balanced diet that includes foods low in saturated fats and added sugars.
Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are also essential for early detection and intervention if any complications arise. Individuals with diabetes need to take proactive steps to manage their condition and prioritize their overall health and well-being.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar levels become abnormally low, can cause various symptoms and complications if not treated promptly. For people with diabetes, hypoglycemia often occurs when they take too much insulin or oral medication compared to their food intake or physical activity. It is crucial to maintain proper blood glucose control to prevent hypoglycemic episodes. Regular glucose monitoring is essential for identifying and managing low blood sugar levels.
To better understand the potential dangers of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes, we need to consider the possible complications that can arise if episodes are left untreated. These complications may include impaired cognitive function, loss of consciousness, seizures, and even death. Moreover, repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can contribute to long-term complications like diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease) and cardiovascular issues.
Regular physical exams are vital for individuals with diabetes as they provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to assess their overall health status and detect any signs of complications related to hypoglycemia. During these exams, healthcare providers may evaluate kidney function through blood tests and monitor nerve damage through sensory examinations.
To summarize, understanding the risks associated with hypoglycemia in people with diabetes highlights the importance of diligently controlling blood glucose levels and regularly scheduling medical check-ups to minimize the occurrence of dangerous complications.
Diagnosing and Treating Diabetes
When diagnosing and treating diabetes, healthcare professionals use a variety of methods to assess blood glucose levels and create personalized management plans.
To diagnose diabetes, healthcare providers use fasting blood sugar tests, random blood sugar tests, and glucose tolerance tests. After the initial diagnosis, your healthcare provider may conduct further testing to determine the specific type of diabetes. It involves drinking a glucose solution and measuring blood glucose levels at specific intervals afterward.
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, healthcare providers may prescribe oral medication to help control blood glucose levels. These medications work by either increasing insulin production or improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
In some cases, insulin therapy may be necessary for individuals with type 1 diabetes or advanced cases of type 2 diabetes that cannot be managed with lifestyle changes or oral medication alone. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is important in managing diabetes and preventing complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and eye problems.
At Founders Family Medicine, we work with patients to monitor and manage diabetes treatment. We also offer weight loss and obesity treatment options to aid in diabetes management.
Diagnosing Diabetes in Children
Diagnosing diabetes in children usually involves recognizing symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, increased tiredness, blurred vision, and frequent infections. If these symptoms are present, healthcare professionals will conduct tests such as fasting plasma glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test to confirm the diagnosis.
It is important to diagnose diabetes in children early, as it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. These complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, nerve damage (neuropathy), eye damage (retinopathy), and foot problems, among others.
Our team of pediatric experts offers diabetes diagnosis for children and adolescents. If we discover pediatric diabetes, we partner with the right specialists to give your child the best possible treatment. We offer compassionate and trustworthy care that puts both the physical and emotional needs of our pediatric patients at the forefront.
Diabetes Prevention
Preventing diabetes is extremely important in reducing the risk of developing this condition, especially type 2 diabetes.
A healthy diet is crucial. Consuming a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can help maintain a healthy body weight and prevent the onset of diabetes. It is also essential to limit the intake of sugary beverages, processed foods, and high-calorie snacks.
Regular physical activity is another key factor. Engaging in activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling regularly can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Physical activity not only helps control body weight but also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Access to diabetes care is vital as well. Ensuring that healthcare services are accessible plays a crucial role in preventing and managing diabetes effectively. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can identify early signs of prediabetes or other risk factors for type 2 diabetes. This allows for timely interventions through counseling on lifestyle modifications or the initiation of appropriate medical treatments, such as continuous glucose monitoring devices if necessary.
Self-Monitoring Tips
Self-monitoring your blood glucose levels is important for managing and controlling your blood sugar if you’re at risk for developing diabetes. By regularly checking your blood glucose levels, you can get a better understanding of how your diet and activities affect your blood sugar. This involves using a glucose monitoring device to measure the amount of glucose in your blood.
Keeping your blood glucose levels in a healthy range is crucial for preventing complications related to diabetes. It is important to aim for a target range recommended by your healthcare provider. To achieve this, it is a good idea to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats.
Aside from your diet, it is also important to consider other factors that can affect your blood glucose levels, like stress or illness. Monitoring your blood glucose levels throughout the day can help you identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to keep your blood sugar stable.
Here are some tips for effective self-monitoring:
Schedule an Appointment for Diabetes Treatment
Founders Family Medicine offers treatment for diabetes at our Castle Rock clinic. We offer both in-clinic and telehealth appointments based on your specific treatment plan and needs.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is crucial to regularly see your healthcare provider. We can monitor your condition, make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and address any concerns or questions you may have.
