Millions of Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each year. At Usborne Family Medicine, Inc. in Covina, California, the skilled health care team provides comprehensive diabetes management, including patient education and blood sugar monitoring. With their help, you can manage the symptoms of diabetes and improve your health. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more.

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes describes two different conditions that affect how your body uses blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes, which appears in children or young adults, the body does not produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body use blood sugar. In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not respond correctly to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.

When your blood sugar is too high for long periods of time, it can cause damage to your organs and tissues. Diabetes can also put you at risk for other health conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Nerve damage in your feet or hands
  • Kidney disease or failure
  • Eye damage or blindness
  • Skin infections

If you suspect you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to visit the team at Usborne Family Medicine, Inc. for regular checkups and for help preventing further health complications.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Both types of diabetes may have similar symptoms. These symptoms include:

  • Being very thirsty
  • Urinating more often
  • Being very hungry
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections

If you have any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor. Your doctor can use a simple blood test to check your blood sugar levels and diagnose diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you can improve your blood sugar by eating a diet high in vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Regular exercise such as walking can also improve your blood sugar levels. If you have Type 2 diabetes, losing weight can help reduce the severity of your condition.

You’ll also need to frequently take your blood sugar throughout the day using a blood sugar monitor. This test involves pricking the tip of your finger to take a small sample of blood. A small, handheld device can then detect your blood sugar levels.

If you have Type 1 diabetes or these treatments don’t help manage your Type 2 diabetes, you will need to use insulin injections each day. Insulin injections help your body use blood sugar and keep your blood sugar levels normal.

The caring team at Usborne Family Medicine, Inc. is dedicated to helping you manage your diabetes. They can teach you how to control your blood sugar and provide careful monitoring of your overall health. For help managing diabetes, call the office or book an appointment online today.