Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex chronic health condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, affecting millions globally. If not managed timely and properly, high blood sugar levels over time can lead to severe health conditions.

Destiny Internal Medicine's committed team offers personalized diabetes management services, prioritizing your overall well-being. Our comprehensive care includes tailored guidance, education, and medical attention to enable a healthy and fulfilling life despite diabetes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that occurs due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or your body's resistance to insulin effects. Insulin, a crucial hormone, governs the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, playing a vital role in blood sugar level regulation. 

Insufficient insulin or its improper utilization leads to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream, causing elevated blood sugar levels, known as hyperglycemia or diabetes.

High blood sugar levels for a long time can contribute to other health complications, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Nerve damage
  • Kidney issues
  • Vision problems

Proper diabetes management is crucial for your overall health.

Types of Diabetes

There are many forms of diabetes. The three primary forms of diabetes include: 

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is often linked to obesity. 

Although this type of condition usually develops in adulthood, it can affect all age groups. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. One can potentially recover from type 2 diabetes. 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin therapy. 

It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet increased demands. 

This condition usually resolves after childbirth. Women who develop gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes is a multifaceted condition influenced by a range of factors. Several key elements contribute to the onset of diabetes:

  • Inadequate insulin production results in elevated blood sugar levels. 
  • Insulin resistance is when the body becomes resistant to insulin's effects. 
  • Genetics plays a role in diabetes development, with a family history of the condition elevating the risk. 
  • Lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet with excessive sugar intake, obesity, and smoking significantly increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.  
  • Other medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain hormonal disorders, can increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes presents a variety of symptoms that can vary in intensity depending on the severity. Common symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Excessive thirst 
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain
  • Increased hunger (polyphagia)
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Numbness and tingling

In the early stages, diabetes may not show any symptoms. Regular check-ups and screenings are therefore crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management of diabetes.

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Diabetes diagnosis includes evaluating the physical condition and blood sugar levels through specific tests. The diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination to understand your symptoms and risk factors. 

Subsequently, your blood glucose level is tested to find the glucose levels in your bloodstream. High sugar levels may indicate diabetes. 

Specific tests we perform to diagnose diabetes include:

  • Fasting blood glucose test is performed on an empty stomach after a fast of at least eight hours. The test establishes the baseline blood sugar level without the influence of food. 
  • Random blood glucose test is conducted randomly at any time during the day. 
  • A1c test, also known as the HbA1c or glycated hemoglobin test, tells your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.

For an accurate diabetes diagnosis, we combine the test results with the medical history, symptoms, and risk factors. 

Diabetes Management at Destiny Internal Medicine

At Destiny Internal Medicine, we recognize the challenges of living with diabetes and the complexities of managing the condition. We are committed to supporting you through your journey by offering personalized care and guidance.

Our strategy focusing on diabetes management includes the following:

Lifestyle Modifications

Implementing healthy lifestyle changes is crucial for managing your diabetic condition, including:

  • Balanced diet
  • Healthy eating and meal planning
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy weight management

Proper Medications

For effective management, we provide medications tailored according to your diabetes case and type. Our services include:

  • Insulin administration: Essential for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes for Type 2, our team can assist with safe insulin injection and administration.
  • Oral medications for Type 2 Diabetes: Prescribed to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.

Self-Blood Glucose Monitoring

Regular blood glucose checks are an integral part of diabetes management. We will help you learn to conduct self-checks, interpret results, and understand your unique blood glucose targets for optimal health.

For those on insulin therapy, we ensure you learn safe insulin administration practices.

Care for Diabetes at Destiny Internal Medicine in Aurora, CO

Diabetes is a long-term condition, and living with it can be a challenging journey, but it is manageable. Proper medical care can make the management easier. Take control of your diabetes journey with Destiny Internal Medicine. Our expert team provides personalized care and medical support for your unique needs and conditions. 

To schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 720-324-4777 or request an appointment online

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