Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body processes sugar from your blood, which you get from the food you eat. Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the primary energy source that all of your cells use to function. 

In order for your cells to use glucose effectively, a hormone called insulin that comes from your pancreas must facilitate the delivery of glucose into your cells. An issue with this process can arise in one of several ways, dictating the type of diabetes you have:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops because of a problem with your immune system. Your immune system attacks the cells within your pancreas that make insulin, causing a shortage or complete lack of insulin in your system. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops because your cells become insulin resistant. As a result, glucose builds-up in your bloodstream. This type of diabetes has both genetic and environmental factors causing it. Though it’s strongly linked with being overweight or obese, you don’t have to be overweight to get it. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes behaves similarly to Type 2 diabetes and occurs during pregnancy. After childbirth, it goes away. However, it leaves you at an increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes later on. 

What is prediabetic care?

Prediabetes is a diagnosis you might get if you’re at a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Thankfully, prediabetes is reversible with lifestyle changes and care from Dr. Philips at Wellness Medicine McKinney. To bring your blood sugar levels back to normal and prevent the disease from progressing, you should:

• Eat low-calorie, low-fat foods
• Eat plenty of fiber
• Lose excess body fat
• Add more physical activity to your routine
• Stop smoking

After diagnosing you with prediabetes, Dr. Philips might also prescribe one or more medications to help you manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, or other health factors. 

How can I manage my diabetes?

If you already have any type of diabetes, Dr. Philips helps you manage it with medications and healthy lifestyle changes. By following your management plan closely, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing diabetes-related complications like cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, or eye damage. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin daily to make up for the insulin your body doesn’t produce. Some people with Type 2 or gestational diabetes must also take insulin, but not everyone. You may also need to monitor your blood sugar levels several times a day. 

Regardless of your type, Dr. Philips might also recommend:

• Transitioning to a healthier diet
• Getting more exercise
• Taking oral medications
• Avoiding smoking

In rare cases, bariatric surgery or a pancreas transplant may be necessary treatment options. 

Book your appointment for diabetes management or prediabetic care by calling Wellness Medicine McKinney or scheduling a visit online today.