Diabetes

More than 37 million people have diabetes in the United States alone. Primary Care of Venice understands the link between diet, exercise, and diabetes. Their skilled team of medical professionals works with you to prevent diabetes, especially if you’re at higher risk or pre-diabetic. They also treat the condition and can help you better manage it to live a full and healthy life. To learn more about diabetes prevention and excellent care, call the Venice, Florida, office to schedule a visit. Or request an appointment online, which is fast and convenient.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that stems from consistently high blood sugar levels. Usually, your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which allows your cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy. Having diabetes means your pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin, so glucose accumulates in your blood and damages your blood vessels.

While preventable and manageable, diabetes is a danger to your health without proper prevention and treatment. Your risk of stroke, vision loss, and nerve damage increases with uncontrolled blood sugar levels.

Are there different types of diabetes?

There are four main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your insulin-producing cells.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes typically occurs during middle age or later. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, nutrition and exercise directly impact its development. Carrying excess weight, poor diet, and inactivity increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, it also raises your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are consistently high but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. Diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes if you have prediabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms vary depending on the type you have. The most common signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
• Vision changes
• Slow-healing wounds
• Increased hunger
• Unintended weight loss

Managing your blood sugar levels can significantly reduce your diabetes symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

How does diabetes prevention work?

Developing healthy habits can help keep your blood sugar levels under control to prevent diabetes and minimize complications. 

At Primary Care of Venice, your provider may recommend any combination of the following:

• Nutrition counseling
• Food trigger identification
• Healthy eating and exercise
• Managing emotional eating
• Carbohydrate counting
• Blood sugar monitoring (if you have diabetes or prediabetes)

To learn more about diabetes prevention, treatment, and care, call Primary Care of Venice or schedule an appointment online today.