Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of diseases defined by high blood sugar levels. Left unmanaged, diabetes increases your risk of more serious health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and nerve damage. The team at Coastal Medical Group in Webster and Houston, Texas, regularly works with patients to diagnose and manage diabetes. If you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, make an appointment by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool today.

 

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is an umbrella term used to describe a group of diseases that affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar adequately. Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is vital to your health and provides energy for all your cells.

However, if your blood sugar levels are too high for an extended period, your risk of serious health problems increases.

If you suspect you have diabetes, make an appointment with the team at Coast Medical Group right away. Following an exam and review of your medical history, they can make diet recommendations, monitor your blood sugar levels, and provide complete diabetic care planning.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes vary from patient to patient and depend on your overall blood glucose levels. Many people with prediabetes don’t experience any symptoms at all.

However, people with Type 1 diabetes tend to experience symptoms that come on quickly. Telltale signs of diabetes include:

  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme hunger
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination

As your diabetes progresses, you might also experience slow-healing wounds or frequent infections such as gum disease or vaginal infections.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, but it tends to affect children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, tends to affect people who are 40 or older.

When should I see a doctor about diabetes?

If you suspect you have diabetes, make an appointment with the team at Coastal Medical Group right away. The earlier your condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to manage and treat.

You should also make an appointment with the team at Coastal Medical Group if you’re already living with diabetes. Managing your condition and attending regular follow-up appointments is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the problem from becoming worse.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

To diagnose diabetes, your Coastal Medical Group provider does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and takes a series of blood samples.

The most popular screening tool for diabetes is glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test, which doesn’t require any fasting, indicates your average blood sugar levels for the past three months — the higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin in your blood.

If your A1C test results aren’t consistent, your doctor might recommend additional testing, such as a random blood sugar test or fasting blood sugar test.

Don’t let diabetes stop you from living your best life; make an appointment at Coastal Medical Group by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool today.