As we head towards winter, the foodie holidays are just around the corner. Since it’s American diabetes awareness month, we want to insure you keep your sugar levels at a normal level. With that, AFC Urgent Care West Hartford has created a guideline to educate and inform you about Diabetes.
How Does Diabetes Affect The Body?
Diabetes is a significant health condition that affects how insulin, a hormone in your body, helps process sugars from your food and drinks. If your body doesn't produce enough insulin, it can result in excess sugar buildup in your blood, potentially causing harm to nerves, blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys.
For those concerned about prediabetes or diabetes, this guide provides insights into the condition, its risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures.
More Than One Type of Diabetes
Did you know there are three types of diabetes? If you include prediabetes, you have a total of four potential threats:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This type arises from an immune reaction where the body mistakenly attacks itself. It's less common than Type 2 and can halt insulin production. Without insulin, blood sugar accumulates, leading to heart, kidney, and central nervous system issues. It typically appears in children, teens, and young adults, requiring daily insulin for survival.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, it affects many people in the United States, usually in adulthood. Lifestyle habits like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor diet are contributing factors. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have difficulty regulating insulin. The body's abnormal response leads to higher blood sugar levels, posing daily management challenges and health complications.
- Gestational Diabetes: This type, occurring during pregnancy, can affect both the mother and newborn. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes and weight gain make women more prone to developing gestational diabetes. According to the CDC, women experience insulin resistance during late pregnancy, increasing susceptibility to this form.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Diabetes
Many diagnosed with diabetes wish they had reacted sooner to warning signs. Prediabetes is a real condition, affecting millions in the United States, with the potential to prevent progression to Type 2 diabetes. Seek a doctor's evaluation if you notice any of these symptoms and risk factors:
Risks for diabetes:
- Being overweight
- Family history of diabetes
- Lack of physical activity
- High blood pressure or taking medication for it
- Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
- Past diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Symptoms of early onset diabetes:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Unexpected weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Slow-healing sores and frequent infections
- Red, swollen gums
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
Experiencing any of these signs or risks warrants a visit to your doctor or AFC Urgent Care West Hartford, where medical professionals can offer guidance on symptom management and diabetes prevention.
Tips for Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes often leads to severe health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Managing diabetes symptoms early can reduce the risk of future health complications.
An A1C test can gauge your blood sugar levels and guide discussions with your doctor about prevention. Lifestyle adjustments may be necessary, including dietary changes, more exercise, and regular blood monitoring. If you already have diabetes, various management tools can help you stay on track both mentally and physically.
Check Your Blood Sugar Levels at AFC Urgent Care West Hartford
Are you concerned about your blood sugar levels ahead of the holiday season? We understand! We encourage you to visit AFC Urgent Care West Hartford for a comprehensive checkup and an A1C test.
Based on your levels and diabetes risk, we'll provide personalized guidance tailored to your lifestyle needs. Our facility is open seven days a week, from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends. We accept most insurances, and both walk-ins and appointments are welcome! Don’t stop exploring our website because you’ll miss the easy to use online payment system. With just a few clicks you’ll be done with your bill and on to the rest of your day.
