Diabetes

Nearly 11% of American adults have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes At Wesleyan Medical Practice in Owensboro, Kentucky, Sara Doolin-Thompson, DNP, uses the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatments to manage all types of diabetes. Early intervention can help prevent diabetes complications, such as stroke and nerve damage. Call Wesleyan Medical Practice or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diabetes.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which glucose, or sugar, collects and builds in your blood. Insulin, a hormone that the pancreas produces, allows your cells to use glucose for energy. If you have diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin. Glucose continues to accumulate in your blood, which can damage the blood vessel walls.

Over time, diabetes impacts nearly every aspect of your system. Nerve damage, vision problems, stroke, and heart disease are common diabetes complications that can diminish your overall health.

Are there different types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Most diagnoses occur during childhood or early adulthood, but symptoms can develop later in life. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin for the rest of your life.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is typically the result of diet and lifestyle choices. While most people with Type 2 diabetes experience symptoms during middle age, children and young adults aren’t immune to the disease. Excess weight, poor diet, tobacco use, and lack of exercise can increase your risk of the disease.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. While symptoms usually resolve after childbirth, this temporary condition raises your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the severity and type of disease you have. Common signs of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
• Tingling in your hands or feet
• Blurred vision
• Dry skin
• Increased hunger

Slow-healing sores are another telltale sign of diabetes. These sores typically appear on the feet, making proper diabetic foot care essential.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

Dr. Doolin-Thompson and the team offer the most scientifically advanced technology to diagnose, treat, and manage diabetes and the disease process, including:

• Afrezza inhaled insulin
• FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitoring
• Medtronic® insulin pump
• Omnipod® insulin pump
• Tandem insulin pump
• Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

The team may also recommend lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, diet changes, exercise, and smoking cessation, to prevent diabetes complications.

Call Wesleyan Medical Practice or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diabetes.