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What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body uses glucose for energy. There are several forms of diabetes that affect your blood sugar differently.

Type 1 diabetes 

Sometimes, diabetes doesn’t exhibit any symptoms at all, which is why it often goes unnoticed. The symptoms caused by diabetes depend on the level of your blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes symptoms often occur suddenly and are more severe.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes often occurs later in life and happens when your body doesn’t use the insulin it has properly to control your blood sugar. Most people who have diabetes have type 2. 

Gestational diabetes 

This form of diabetes occurs during pregnancy in women who’ve never been diagnosed with diabetes. It creates the potential for health problems for the mother and the baby.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Sometimes, diabetes doesn’t exhibit any symptoms at all, which is why it often goes unnoticed. The symptoms caused  by diabetes depend on the level of your blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes symptoms often occur suddenly and are more severe.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms caused by rising glucose in your bloodstream. Typical symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Extreme hunger
  • Increased thirst
  • Blurry vision
  • Fatigue 
  • Irritability
  • Frequent infections

Diabetes and high blood sugar impair your body’s ability to heal. For that reason, you may notice that cuts or sores are healing slower than normal.

Is diabetes preventable?

Type 1 diabetes isn’t really preventable, as it’s an issue with your body from a young age. However, type 2 diabetes is preventable most of the time with lifestyle changes. Tips on preventing type 2 diabetes include:

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  • Get plenty of exercise
  • Lose weight 
  • Quit smoking
  • Lower alcohol intake
  • Get plenty of sleep

Stress also takes a toll on your health, including increasing your risk for diabetes. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically and mentally. That goes a long way in the prevention of chronic illnesses like diabetes.

If you end up with diabetes, it’s a manageable condition. The team at North Moore Family Practice provides education, glucose monitoring, and medication management for diabetes.

To make an appointment with the practice, call the office in Robbins, North Carolina, today, or book a consultation on the website.