More than 29 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States, but it’s believed another 8.1 million people may have it but are unaware of their condition. A diabetes screening can diagnose diabetes at the early stages when it’s often easier to manage. Robert H. Thomas, MD, FACP, and the team at Coral Gables Executive Physicians in Coral Gables, Florida, offer diabetes screening and treatment options for those who need it.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) is too high. Your body uses blood glucose as a source of energy and the glucose comes from carbohydrates in your diet.
Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from food to your cells for energy, but sometimes your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively. When this happens, the glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. Having too much glucose in your blood causes health problems. Diabetes is broken into two primary types:
Formerly called juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas cannot produce insulin. It’s sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes.
Formerly called adult-onset diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. Your cells are unable to use insulin effectively. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Diabetes symptoms vary depending on how high your blood sugar levels are. Some people, especially those with Type 2 diabetes, may not have symptoms at the early stages, which is why diabetes screenings are extremely important. Diabetes signs and symptoms include:
While Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, it often occurs during childhood. Type 2 diabetes is more common and can develop at any age as well, although it is most common in people over the age of 40.
At Coral Gables Executive Physicians, the team includes diabetes screenings as part of your annual physical. The blood test measures your current blood glucose level as well as your average levels of blood glucose over the last three months, which shows how well your body can control your blood sugar.
While there is no cure for diabetes, you can effectively manage it by controlling your blood sugar levels to keep them within the normal range. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, exercise, and a proper diet. Type 2 diabetes is treated with weight reduction, exercise, and a proper diet. If these lifestyle changes do not effectively control your blood sugar, diabetes medications are prescribed, which may include oral medication or injections.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, call the practice for a diabetes screening.