Diabetes

What causes diabetes?

Insulin is a hormone that removes excess sugar from your bloodstream. Diabetes occurs when you have a problem with insulin, leading to high blood sugar. However, the three primary types of diabetes each have a different cause:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that begins when your immune system attacks the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas stops producing insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

When you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas produces insulin but not enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. You also develop insulin resistance, which prevents your body from using the insulin that’s available.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women when hormonal changes affect their body’s ability to use insulin. While their blood sugar usually goes back to normal after delivery, gestational diabetes increases their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes down the road.

What symptoms develop due to diabetes?

The symptoms caused by all types of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Excessive hunger
• Unexplained weight loss

Women with gestational diabetes may have mild symptoms that go unnoticed. Symptoms appear quickly in Type 1 diabetes and gradually over the years in those with Type 2 diabetes.

What health complications develop due to diabetes?

High blood sugar damages small blood vessels and nerves, leading to a range of serious complications. The potential health risks you face from diabetes depend on the type of diabetes you have.

Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can cause problems for both the mother and baby. Your baby may be born early, be overweight, and have a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes may cause high blood pressure in the mother and increase your risk of miscarriage.

Complications from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Foot ulcers that don’t heal
• Vision loss
• Skin infections
• Neuropathy
• Cardiovascular disease

Diabetes doubles your risk of dying from heart disease compared to those who don’t have diabetes.

What is diabetes management?

Diabetes management refers to the steps you take to attain and maintain normal blood sugar levels. The team at Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, creates customized plans for each person. They also take advantage of modern technology and newer medications.

Your diabetes management plan may include:

• Diabetes education
• Nutrition counseling
• Carbohydrate control
• Healthy meal plans
• An exercise plan
• Weight-loss management
• Help to stop smoking
• Insulin or other medications
• Continuous glucose monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring allows you to keep track of your blood sugar levels without drawing blood. Instead, a small device implanted under your skin measures glucose and transmits the information to a receiver so you can see your levels at any time.

If you have diabetes, the team at Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, offers the help you need through telehealth services, and direct texting options are available. You can easily schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool.