What are the types of diabetes?
Diabetes is not one disease, but describes several conditions with the same underlying problem:
- Type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition in which the body cannot produce insulin to control blood sugar levels
- Type 2 diabetes – a condition in which the body doesn’t use insulin that’s released properly, and is often the result of aging and lifestyle choices
- Gestational diabetes – a disease that affects women during pregnancy; similar to type 2 diabetes, the body can’t properly use the insulin that’s released or doesn’t make enough of the hormone
How is diabetes managed?
All forms of diabetes can be treated with medical and nutritional interventions. Dr. Steslow will help you understand how your food choices affect your blood sugar levels and can change the amount of medication you need to control your condition. With type 2 diabetes in particular, nutritional treatment has a notable effect on your symptoms and quality of life.
Nutrition counseling takes into account your personal needs, ability to make changes, and willingness to change. Dr. Steslow customizes a plan for you, which makes it easier to follow and succeed. He will give you the tools you need to lose weight and reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, both of which aggravate insulin sensitivity.
What happens if diabetes goes unmanaged?
Diabetes has serious consequences when it is left untreated. Learning to properly manage your blood sugar reduces your risk of developing complications, including:
- Eye disease and blindness
- Heart attack and stroke
- Nerve damage
- Erectile dysfunction
- Foot problems
- Kidney disease
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Dr. Steslow can order a blood test to determine whether you’re suffering from diabetes, or if you are at risk of developing it in the near future. Signs that you might need such a test include:
- Frequent urination
- Extraordinary fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Slow healing wounds
- Tingling and numbness in your hands and feet
In some people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms are so mild that they aren’t detected for a long time. Dr. Steslow may include a glucose test as part of your regular, annual exam, which reveals your condition and spurs treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can help prevent life-threatening complications later on.
