Prevention and Management of Diabetes and Prediabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition where your blood sugar, known as blood glucose, is too high. People with diabetes either do not produce insulin or do not produce insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to provide energy to your body. Without insulin, the glucose remains in your blood, which can cause serious medical conditions overtime.

There are three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: People with type 1 do not make insulin and must take insulin every day in order to live.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and occurs when your body does not properly make or use insulin well.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, but most often goes away following birth. However, women and the children of women who develop gestational diabetes during birth have a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes down the road.

Complications from Diabetes

Diabetes can lead to other health problems down the road. The medical team at Total HealthcareMD is well trained in the management and prevention of diabetes. With our help, you may be able to avoid the complications below.

Complications of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

  • Cardiovascular or heart disease

    • Coronary artery disease

    • Chest pain (angina)

    • Heart attack

    • Stroke

    • Narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)

  • Kidney problems

    • Kidney failure

    • Kidney disease

  • Skin Conditions

    • Bacterial and fungal infections

  • Nerve damage

    • Tingling, numbness, burning or pain that typically begins in the fingers or toes

    • Erectile dysfunction

  • Digestion issues

  • Hearing impairment

  • Alzheimer’s Disease

    • Eye damage

    • Blindness

    • Retina damage

    • Cataracts

    • Glaucoma

  • Foot Damage

    • Serious infections

    • Toe, foot, or leg amputation

The complications associated with gestational diabetes differ from that of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Although most women who suffer from gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies, if left untreated, mothers and their babies are at risk of the following:

Gestational Diabetes Complications

Baby

  • Excessive growth (resulting in possible cesarean)

  • Low blood sugar

  • Greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes

  • Death

Mother

  • Preeclampsia

  • Subsequent gestational diabetes

  • Greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes

It is important for those with prediabetes and diabetes to adopt a wellness plan to avoid serious complications in the future. Studies have proven that lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising, and eating a healthy, balanced diet, can aid in reducing the progression of type 2 diabetes and are important for controlling type 1 and gestational diabetes.

Risk Factors of Diabetes

As with any disease, certain risk factors make you more susceptible to developing diabetes, such as the factors below.

Type 1 Diabetes

  • Family History

  • Disease of the pancreas

  • Certain infection or illness

Type 2 Diabetes

  • Overweight or obese

  • Prediabetes

  • Insulin resistance

  • Race (Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Alaska natives are at higher risk)

Gestational Diabetes

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Family History

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • Age

Gestational Diabetes

  • Overweight or obese

  • Glucose intolerance

  • Family History

  • Age

  • Race (nonwhite women have the highest risk)

Tips for Managing and Preventing Diabetes

If you have diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes, following the tips below can go a long way in protecting your health.

  1. Exercise: Exercising daily is an excellent way to control diabetes. Start slow and work up your endurance. Total HealthcareMD will work with you to create an exercise program to fit your lifestyle.

  2. Follow a meal plan: Eating the correct foods and portions is very important for controlling blood sugar levels. For that reason, it is recommended to follow a meal plan that is approved by your doctor. Total HealthcareMD will customize a meal plan tailored to your individual needs.

  3. Avoid smoking: Tobacco products are bad for your health and can make diabetes complications even worse. If you need assistance quitting, Total HealthcareMD can help.

  4. Take Your Medications: Correctly taking your medications is important. Be sure to take them as prescribed and set daily reminders if you find yourself forgetting.

  5. Take Care of Your Body: Check your feet regularly to look for cuts, sores, or skin problems and notify your doctor of anything suspicious. Also, get your eyes checked on a regular basis to ensure the health of your retinas.

Let Total HealthcareMD Help

If you are suffering from prediabetes or diabetes, now is the time to make a lifestyle change. The highly trained team at Total HealthcareMD can help you lose weight, eat healthy, and avoid serious medical conditions down the road. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.