Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of conditions that affect the body’s ability to use blood sugar. The body needs proper blood sugar levels to operate the brain, muscles, and other tissues. When blood sugar levels are out of balance, the body suffers.

Two primary types of diabetes exist: type 1 and type 2. While Type 1 Diabetes usually begins in childhood, Type 2 Diabetes usually begins later in life. Both of these conditions cause similar symptoms, which may include:

  • Frequent urination

  • Extreme hunger

  • Increased thirst

  • Fatigue

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Slowed healing of wounds

  • Vision disturbances

  • Irritability

  • Frequent infections

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce and/or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to lower the amount of sugar in the bloodstream.

What is Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes develops when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the cells become resistant to insulin, which makes it impossible for the body to produce enough insulin to maintain proper blood sugar levels. In either case, blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes Texas can diagnose Diabetes based on the patient’s blood sugar levels. We perform a random blood sugar test and/or a glycated hemoglobin test, which measures the patient’s average blood sugar level over the past 3 months. If necessary, a fasting blood sugar test or an oral glucose tolerance test may be ordered for diagnostics.

Can Diabetes be cured?

There is no cure for Diabetes. Diabetes can be managed to allow patients diagnosed with the disease the ability to live a healthy life.

How is Diabetes managed?

Patients of Diabetes Texas are provided with Diabetes education and aiding with medication management. Our patients also receive guidance on how improve their diets and how to maintain positive life-style changes. In addition, Diabetes Texas offers a variety of technologies for diabetes management, as well as treatments for other Diabetes related complications.