Diabetes Management Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that develops because of an imbalance in insulin, the hormone that comes from your pancreas. Insulin is vital for regulating the blood levels of glucose — sugar that you use for energy.

Some people have Type 1 diabetes. This autoimmune disorder occurs when your immune system malfunctions and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is neither preventable nor curable.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common. It develops when your body doesn’t respond to the insulin you produce, so the glucose builds up in your blood rather than moving into your body’s cells.

Some pregnant women get gestational diabetes, although it typically goes away after the baby’s born.

Why would I need diabetes management?

Diabetes requires careful management because elevated blood glucose can lead to:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
• Kidney damage
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Hearing problems
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores that don’t heal easily. They develop when high blood glucose levels damage the nerves and blood vessels in your lower limbs. Poor circulation prevents sufficient oxygen, healing cells, and nutrients from getting to your legs and feet.

At the same time, nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) can numb your feet, so you overlook injuries. Minor skin damage doesn’t heal properly, the tissues break down, and an ulcer forms. Infections are common in ulcers, and amputation is sometimes necessary if the infection is severe.

Diabetes management helps you regulate your blood sugar, so you avoid these devastating health problems.

What does diabetes management involve?

Diabetes management is a partnership between you and the skilled staff at Compassionate Health Medical Center. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need lifelong supplementary insulin to replace what your pancreas can’t make. Type 2 diabetes is more often a result of lifestyle issues, such as a poor diet and lack of exercise that lead to weight gain.

Your Compassionate Health Medical Center provider helps you make changes to improve your general health, including losing weight and quitting smoking. They also do routine weight and heart function checks and monitor your blood glucose levels. 

They support you with up-to-date information about managing your diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Diabetes management also includes diabetic foot care to help prevent ulcers and treat any that develop early on. Your provider carefully checks your feet for wounds and treats foot and ankle conditions like fungal infections or ingrown toenails. They can also trim your toenails for you if you find it difficult.

To find out more about the exceptional diabetes management services available at Compassionate Health Medical Center, call the office today or book an appointment online.