Diabetes management: improve your quality of life
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects over 400 million people worldwide. The symptoms can vary, but it's important to recognize the signs of diabetes so you can manage them accordingly. Diabetes management in Charlotte NC requires an effort on behalf of both the individual and their care provider, but it will improve your quality of life in many ways.
For some, managing diabetes may be as simple as taking insulin or oral medications for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Others may need more intensive monitoring with self-testing blood glucose levels multiple times per day, regular exercise, and healthy diet habits. With proper care and support from your health care charlotte NC team, you can achieve better control, leading to better health outcomes.
The following are signs that indicate high blood sugar levels:
In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the kidneys make substances that enable them to hold onto fluid, but this capacity is lost or impaired since insulin levels are low. This causes frequent urination even when there isn't an abundance of fluids consumed, leading to dehydration. Along with frequent urination, a person might also experience heavy sweating and extreme thirst. If you feel thirsty, check your urine for a sweet smell, increased frequency of urination, and increased urine volume.
For those who aren't getting enough insulin, cells will become resistant to the effects of insulin as blood glucose levels rise. The body's cells require glucose for energy, and as they become resistant to insulin, blood glucose levels increase.
With higher blood sugar levels, the pancreas responds by releasing more insulin into the bloodstream to try to get cells to uptake more glucose. If this situation continues, uncontrolled weight gain can occur due to the excess calories that are not used for energy because insulin is unable to act on certain cells.
Over time, high blood sugar levels may cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other major organs, if left untreated or unmanaged. Symptoms of high
blood sugar include blurred vision, frequent headaches, sleepiness, irritability, changes, and hunger pains. Occasionally, people with diabetes will have a skin infection.
Dizziness or faintness is one of the most common side effects of type II diabetes. It can occur for various reasons, including low blood sugar levels, not eating enough food, or taking in too much alcohol. Some dizziness is treatable with time and rest, but some people may need medical help to correct their blood pressure.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our family medicine associates doctors in Charlotte NC to discuss how to manage your diabetes best and improve your quality of life. Managing diabetes can be difficult, but with the help of your care team, you can achieve better blood sugar control and improved health outcomes.
Living well with diabetes is possible.
