Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that is on the rise in America and around the world. For those living in and around Northport, Alabama, Christine Falls, FNP-BC, and Alisha Marie Moore, CRNP, FNP-BC, of Northside Primary Care provide excellent diabetes care. Book your visit today with a quick phone call or a visit to the online scheduling page.  

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by a problem converting food into energy. This process relies on insulin, a hormone that facilitates the transfer of glucose into your cells. The two main types of diabetes are: 

Type 1 diabetes

Thought to be an autoimmune condition, type 1 diabetes develops when your pancreas fails to produce insulin. People with this form of diabetes need supplemental insulin to survive. 

Type 2 diabetes

By far the most common form of diabetes, this condition is linked to being overweight or obese. People with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or can’t make proper use of the insulin produced.

Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. While the condition usually resolves after childbirth, women who experience this condition will carry an increased risk of type 2 diabetes for the rest of their lives. 

What are some health risks associated with diabetes?

Diabetes allows glucose, a type of sugar, to build up within your bloodstream. At the same time, your cells become deprived of the nutrients needed to function normally. As a result, people with diabetes have an elevated risk of many different health conditions, including:

• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Foot problems
• Eye health problems
• Nerve damage
• Dental issues
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure

These are just some of the health issues that people with diabetes face. Managing your condition is the best way to avoid these serious negative outcomes.

Are there treatments that can help with diabetes?

While there is no cure for diabetes, there are treatments that can effectively manage the condition. Supplemental insulin is a common treatment and works to augment or replace your natural insulin production.

Medications can help manage diabetes. Some drugs work to boost insulin production, while others make your tissues more sensitive to insulin. There are even medications that reduce the volume of glucose your liver produces. You may need a combination of oral medications to effectively manage your diabetes.

Improving your diet, getting plenty of exercise, and moving closer to a healthy weight are some of the most effective ways to manage diabetes. In fact, some people can avoid drug therapy or supplemental insulin by managing their weight and improving their nutrition. 

When you’re ready to get started, call Northside Primary Care to book a visit or spend a few moments on the online scheduling page.