It can be distressing to learn that your child or a loved one has diabetes. But be aware that there are many things you may do to assist in managing diabetes. You can return to regular life and usual activities with some planning and preparation. At Ageless Regenerative Medical, led by Nicholas Sieveking, MD, and Jan Stanley, RN, we provide full support to help you get back to your daily life. Call the office in Nashville, Tennessee, or request an appointment online today.
Your body cannot properly process and utilize the glucose from your food if you have diabetes. Various forms of diabetes have their origins, but they are all characterized by an excess of glucose in the blood.
When your blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is too high, you develop diabetes. Your primary energy source is blood glucose, which is obtained from food.
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which facilitates the entry of food-derived glucose into your cells for energy production. The glucose will remain in your blood and not enter your cells if your body produces insufficient insulin.
Depending on the kind, many factors can be the leading cause of diabetes. However, diabetes can result in excess sugar in the blood regardless of type. Serious health issues can result from an excess of sugar in the blood.
Diabetes-related high blood sugar left untreated can harm your kidneys, nerves, eyes, and other organs. However, knowing more about diabetes and taking action to manage or avoid it can help you safeguard your health.
There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).
Type 1 diabetes
It is believed that an autoimmune reaction is what causes type 1 diabetes (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body's production of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes
Your body cannot effectively use insulin and cannot maintain normal blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. It usually affects adults but increasingly affects children, teens, and young adults over a long period.
Gestational diabetes
Pregnant women are more likely to get gestational diabetes. After your baby is born, gestational diabetes usually disappears. However, it makes you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in later life.
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include:
Risk factors for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes include:
Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:
It's possible that someone with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes won't show any symptoms. However, type 1 diabetes typically presents with more severe and rapid symptoms.
The symptoms may include:
Other symptoms include:
In women:
In men:
For individuals with any form of diabetes, routine physical exams are essential for monitoring and treating any issues that may develop. You can also learn how to control your diabetes and avoid problems if you have it. Ageless Regenerative Medical helps patients with diabetes to manage their condition with customized functional and regenerative treatment plans.
