Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Diabetes is the common name for a series of chronic illnesses related to how your body processes sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of fuel for the body in your day to day activities (not to mention the main source of fuel for your brain), and the proper management of this resource is vital to your health.
Different types of diabetes have different underlying causes, but all result in excess glucose in your bloodstream, and the complications that come with that. Diabetes is a serious health problem that deserves your attention.
Symptoms of prediabetes (borderline blood glucose levels) and gestational diabetes can be reversible if dealt with promptly. Chronic diabetes – typically refered to as type 1 or type 2 diabetes – requires vigilant care and lifestyle changes to manage properly.
Dr. Mark Richardson on Diabetes Care
Diabetes Symptoms
Your symptoms can vary depending on your blood glucose levels. People with prediabetes, and early stage type 2 diabetes often don’t notice their symptoms until diagnosed as part of regular health screening. In type 1 diabetes, often called “adult-onset” diabetes, symptoms can advance quickly, and are often more severe.
If you think you or someone in your family may be experiencing symptoms of diabetes, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and establishing a proper course of treatment are critical to controlling this disease. West Front Primary Care adheres to the highest standards of modern diabetes care, with the aid of our Care Management Team.
Call the WFPC office to find out more: (231) 935-8930
Some of the more common symptoms for diabetes include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Ravenous hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vision issues
- Sores are slow to heal
- Frequent infections (skin and gums)
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Presence of ketones in urine (requires testing)