Diabetes

 

Whether you’re pre-diabetic, a Type 1 diabetic, or a Type 2 diabetic, it’s important to take your disease seriously. With your doctor’s guidance and ongoing support, you can keep your diabetes in check and live your life the way you want. At Dalewood Medical Center in Woodbridge, Virginia, you can get the compassionate and caring diabetes support that you need, now and for the rest of your life. Use the online appointment tool or call the office to book now. 

 

Diabetes Q & A 

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What are the different types of diabetes? 

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There are two main kinds of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. 

Type 1 diabetes 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness that usually starts in childhood. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin and you can't properly process sugar and fat as a result. 

Although the cause of Type 1 diabetes isn't certain at this time, genetics or environmental exposure to viruses may also be responsible. Type 1 diabetes isn't preventable, but it's much manageable with your doctor's help. 

Type 2 diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body produces insulin but doesn't process it properly. This is known as insulin resistance. Once you have insulin resistance, your pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin, until it can't make enough any longer. At that point, you can develop high blood sugar. 

The cause of Type 2 diabetes is usually obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a combination of the two. Genetics can also play a role in Type 2 diabetes. This is where Type 2 diabetes differs greatly from Type 1 — Type 2 is often avoidable. Type 2 diabetes is a very manageable disease with your doctor's help. 

Another type of diabetes — gestational diabetes — occurs only in pregnant women. Women who develop gestational diabetes are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes after the pregnancy.

 

What are the symptoms of diabetes? 

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Type 1 diabetes causes symptoms like more frequent urination, dry mouth, blurry vision, and unintended weight loss. There are an estimated 7.2 million Americans with diabetes not diagnosed today, and that's often due to the lack of symptoms during the early stages of Type 2 diabetes. 

If not diagnosed and treated, Type 2 diabetes can worsen until the symptoms become obvious. Some of the most common signs include slow-healing wounds, dry mouth, blurry vision, and more frequent urination. 

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What is the treatment for diabetes? 

Type 1 diabetes sufferers need to supplement insulin to stay healthy. Typically, this means insulin injections or an insulin pump. 

Type 2 diabetes sufferers may need only lifestyle changes to control their diabetes. This usually includes a healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise. If Type 2 diabetes can’t be controlled with lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe oral medication that can help. 

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Get diabetes help and support now via the online booking tool or by phone. We are interested in your health in Dalewood Medical Center in Woodbridge, Virginia