Diabetes
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Walker Family Care
Family Medicine Physicians located in Little River, SC
Managing a chronic condition like diabetes takes the guidance of an experienced and knowledgeable physician. At Walker Family Care in Little River, South Carolina, Rogers Walker, MD, and his compassionate staff offer diabetes management services for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. He provides comprehensive blood sugar monitoring and management services to protect your health and help keep your diabetes under control. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach area, schedule a consultation by calling the office to learn more about available diabetes services.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition involving the levels of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Your body makes a hormone known as insulin, which helps transport blood glucose into your cells to give you energy.
When insulin production isn’t sufficient, your glucose levels remain consistently too high, and you may get an unwelcome diabetes diagnosis. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.
With Type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels remain high because your body doesn’t make insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels remain high because your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or doesn’t use the insulin it makes properly.
The cause of Type 1 diabetes isn’t well understood but may relate to your immune system attacking healthy cells that produce insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, your risk for the condition may increase if you:
- Are overweight
- Have high blood pressure
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Have a family history of the condition
There is also a condition known as prediabetes, where your blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetic. Gestational diabetes occurs only in pregnant women who experience high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This typically resolves after the birth of the baby.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Chronic fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
Uncontrolled sugar levels may also cause you to have frequent infections in your skin, your gums, and your vagina.
What complications does diabetes cause?
Untreated diabetes can result in serious medical conditions, including damage to your nerves, eyes, and kidneys. You can also develop heart disease or stroke from uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
When sugar remains uncontrolled for a long period, you may be at increased risk for nerve damage in your feet that may lead to amputation of your toes or foot. Uncontrolled diabetes can also become a life-threatening condition.
What treatment options are available for diabetes?
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need insulin daily to keep your blood sugar regulated.
Treatment for Type 2 diabetes may initially involve lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your blood sugar control. Dr. Walker may suggest a healthy diet to ensure you’re eating fresh, whole foods and a routine exercise plan to keep you active.
If lifestyle changes and a good diet aren’t effective in managing your diabetes, Dr. Walker may recommend medications or insulin shots.
Learn more about available treatment options for diabetes by calling Walker Family Care directly.
