Diabetes mellitus refers to a class of diseases that negatively impact the way the body utilizes glucose or blood sugar. Glucose is immensely crucial to your overall health since it’s a vital energy source for cells that make up the tissues and muscles. It’s likewise the brain’s primary fuel source. While the exact cause of diabetes will vary by type, regardless of the kind you have, it will result in excess glucose in the blood. When this happens, your risk of developing all sorts of other health problems also increases.
Left untreated, long-term diabetes complications will gradually develop. Furthermore, the longer you have uncontrolled blood sugar levels, the higher the chances that you’ll develop disabling and fatal complications. With that said, assessing your diabetes risk factors and being diagnosed early is immensely important. Here at Exceptional Primary & Preventive Healthcare in Silver Spring, MD, Florence Odubayo, CRNP can evaluate your condition and craft a diabetes management program tailor-fitted to your needs.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Chronic diabetes includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while potentially reversible forms of diabetes include pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes. Pre-diabetes when you have higher than usual glucose levels, but not exactly high enough to be considered chronic diabetes just yet. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy but could go away on its own after delivery.
The symptoms of diabetes differ based on how high your glucose level is. However, some individuals, particularly those who have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, might not have any symptoms at first. With type 1 diabetes, however, symptoms may be more severe and come on suddenly. The following are the most common symptoms of type 2 and 1 diabetes:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sores that heal slower than normal
- Ketones in urine
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent infections, including skin, vaginal, and gum infections
You can develop type 1 diabetes no matter your age, but it usually develops during the childhood and adolescent years. Likewise, the more common diabetes, which is type 2 diabetes, could develop at any age as well, but it’s more common among individuals who are 40 years old and above.
When to Visit Your Provider
If you suspect that you may have diabetes or are experiencing potential diabetes symptoms, consult with your provider in Silver Spring, MD. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin treatment. You should likewise regularly come to your provider for regular checkups once you’re diagnosed with diabetes because you will need close monitoring to ensure that your blood sugar levels are always in check.
Worried about Diabetes?
Contact (301) 587-6464 to book your appointment with Florence Odubayo, CRNP of Exceptional Primary & Preventive Healthcare here in Silver Spring, MD.