Diabetes TreatmentIrvine, CA

Symptoms of Diabetes

After consuming food, the body works to convert it into glucose for energy. The body then transports the glucose into the blood, where proper insulin production is necessary for the body to absorb the glucose. Diabetic patients have a problem both with insulin production and glucose absorption, leading to high glucose levels in the blood (or high blood sugar). This is responsible for the symptoms of diabetes, including:

• Blurred vision
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Weight loss (less common)

If left untreated, diabetes can cause severe dehydration and a feeling of dullness or light-headedness. In severe cases, diabetes can cause diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which may cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This condition can also cause more severe symptoms, such as mental dullness, partial paralysis or weakness of the body, seizures, and even a coma.

Treatments for Diabetes

Diabetes treatment is crucial in managing and maintaining proper insulin levels. Failure to treat diabetes properly can lead to severe health consequences. Luckily, with the right lifestyle change program, it is reversible. Regardless of whatever type of diabetes a person may have, diabetes increases the risk of developing a wide variety of serious health problems. These include diseases affecting the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and teeth. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing infections. In addition, it is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, lower limb amputation, and kidney failure.

Though type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, lifestyle modification with physical activity and a healthy diet can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes treatment typically involves insulin therapy and regular monitoring. We encourage patients to regulate their blood sugar levels depending on their diabetic patterns and incorporate healthy foods and exercise into their daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Treatment

What can a physician do to treat diabetes?

Suppose your blood sugar is extremely high and there are severe symptoms at the time of your arrival at our office. In that case, the primary care physician will give you medication to immediately lower your blood sugar and IV fluids to rehydrate you. You may also be prescribed medications to keep your blood sugar under control and receive recommendations on how to better manage your condition.

What is prediabetes?

Patients with prediabetes have a blood sugar level that is higher than average but not yet high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. Though it can be reversed with lifestyle changes, those with prediabetes may already be experiencing the long-term damage of diabetes. As such, consulting with a physician is key to protecting your health.

What is a good diet for diabetics?

A healthy diet is key to managing blood sugar, weight, and heart disease risk factors. A diet rich in extra calories and fat will inevitably cause blood sugar levels to rise, leading to severe conditions like hyperglycemia. Those affected by diabetes or prediabetes should focus on fiber-rich foods, fish, healthy carbohydrates, and “good" fats.

Is gestational diabetes a permanent condition?

As mentioned earlier, gestational diabetes is a natural result of changing hormone levels during pregnancy. It is usually a temporary condition that subsides once hormone levels have returned to normal after the mother has given birth.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Risk factors can vary depending on the type of diabetes. However, specific populations are more likely to develop diabetes than others. These include persons who are overweight or obese, have a family history of diabetes, have had gestational diabetes in the past, have given birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds, have high blood pressure, or have abnormal cholesterol. Leading a physically inactive lifestyle can also raise one’s risk.