Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Your body breaks the food you eat down into glucose and uses it for energy. Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps your body use glucose properly. People with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin their body produces. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin correctly. Most people with Type 1 diabetes are diagnosed as children, and they must take insulin every day to treat their condition.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes develops when your body has trouble using the insulin it produces. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and often affects adults. It’s sometimes possible to treat or prevent Type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Recurrent infections

Diabetes doesn’t always cause symptoms, so it’s important to get regular blood tests to check your glucose levels. When diagnosed early, diabetes is often very treatable. But if your diabetes isn’t treated, you might experience serious or even fatal complications.

Pregnant women can also develop a form of diabetes called gestational diabetes. If you’re pregnant, regular physical exams and blood tests can help keep you and your baby healthy.

Should my child be screened for diabetes?

Unfortunately, diabetes rates among children are on the rise. If untreated, diabetes can put your child’s health at risk. That’s why children should get regular physical exams with a qualified doctor.  

If you’re concerned that your child might have diabetes, call or book an appointment at Chantilly Medical Center. Dr. Nazam can provide your child with the yearly physicals they need to stay healthy.

How is diabetes treated?

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, Dr. Nazam may prescribe medication. You might need to check your blood sugar levels at home with a glucose monitor. Dr. Nazam may also recommend that you follow a special diet and get plenty of exercises.

An essential part of diabetes treatment is monitoring your condition and seeing a doctor as soon as you suspect a problem.

Chantilly Medical Center provides on-site lab work so you can get the tests you need without delay. Call or book an appointment today.