If you had diabetes, would you know it? Sadly, many diabetics are not diagnosed for early on, this chronic disease may not present any identifiable symptoms. Here at Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, Dr. Joel Biggers and Dr. Elizabeth Biggers watch their patients carefully for signs of diabetes, particularly if they have risk factors. Read on to learn more about diabetes, its dangers, and how you can manage it:
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic endocrine disease that elevates glucose levels in the blood. According to the University of Iowa, 40 million Americans have something called pre-diabetes, and a full 20 million have the full-blown diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of diabetes? A fasting blood sugar blood test tells your physician at Biggers Family Medicine if you have diabetes or may be at risk for developing it. Sadly, many diabetics don't display any symptoms whatsoever. However, others experience excessive urination, extreme thirst, weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, slow healing, numbness, and tingling in the lower extremities.
What causes diabetes? Heredity plays a significant role, especially in juvenile, or Type 1, diabetes. Additional factors are obesity, high cholesterol, a rich diet, inactivity, and pregnancies in which an infant weighs 9 pounds or more. Some women also experience gestational diabetes in which their blood sugars are high while they are pregnant but return to normal in the postpartum period.
How do the doctors at Biggers Family Medicine treat diabetes? Much depends on weight reduction, healthy eating, medications (such as insulin), and raising your activity level. Many patients test their blood sugars at home to maintain good control.
What other health factors affect my blood sugars? High cholesterol and hypertension increase blood glucose levels and the body's ability to manage them. Stress or an acute illness, such as the flu, can impact them as well. Controlling all these factors helps patients avoid complications such as peripheral artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, stroke, heart attack and more.
What is normal blood glucose? Typically, it is 100 mg/dl or lower as revealed by routine blood work ordered by your physician. Higher levels may indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes, and your doctor may want additional tests for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
Find out more
Do you suspect you have diabetes? Contact your friends at Biggers Family Medicine for an appointment with Dr. Joel Biggers or Dr. Elizabeth Biggers. They'll help you stay on top of your condition, avoid complications, and feel your best. Phone our Brando, FL, office today at (813) 655-4646.