Diabetes affects more than 2 million people in Florida. This metabolic condition needs expert management. Gilbert Weiner, DO, provides this care and support at HealthStone Primary Care Partners in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. If you have symptoms that suggest diabetes, the team can help with diagnosis, and if you’ve already been diagnosed, consult the practice for medical and lifestyle recommendations. Call today for comprehensive diabetes care or request your appointment today.
Diabetes is a chronic, serious medical condition. It’s diagnosed when your blood sugar is higher than normal. Having too much sugar in your blood damages your organs and blood vessels. Diabetes also increases your risk of other health issues including heart disease, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy.
A hormone produced by the pancreas, called insulin, usually regulates your blood sugar levels. When your body fails to produce insulin or doesn’t produce enough, diabetes results. Several types of diabetes are possible:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes is made in childhood or early adulthood.
Type 2 diabetics usually produce some insulin but not enough to effectively move sugar from your blood into your cells. Usually, Type 2 diabetes shows up in middle age but is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults and even children.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and looks very much like type 2 diabetes. It’s thought to develop due to hormonal changes.
Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common type, making up 90-95% of cases.
A blood test reveals your blood sugar levels and yields a diagnosis of diabetes. Such a test may be part of routine blood work or the practitioners may order it based on your age, family history, risk factors, and symptoms. Symptoms include:
In some cases, your blood tests may reveal you have higher than normal blood sugar levels but not high enough levels to be diagnosed with diabetes. This prediabetes condition requires lifestyle interventions, such as changes in your diet and physical activity levels, to reduce the chances that you’ll develop the full-blown disease.
Dr. Weiner develops an individualized plan to help you manage diabetes. Treatment may include:
HealthStone Primary Care Partners provides diagnosis and expert management of diabetes. Call the office today or request an appointment to get your appointment.
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