Diabetes: Signs, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that interferes with the body’s ability to process blood glucose, commonly referred to as blood sugar. The human body depends on the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, to allow glucose from the food we consume to enter the cells and fuel their activities. However, in individuals with diabetes, this process gets disrupted. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, resulting from the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Therefore, individuals with type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is the most common form of the disease, affecting the majority of individuals diagnosed with diabetes. In this form, the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain regular glucose levels. While Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is not preventable, Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors and can sometimes be prevented or managed through lifestyle modifications. Both types of diabetes can lead to chronically high blood sugar levels, triggering serious health complications if not effectively managed.

Both types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, share the common problem of high blood sugar levels due to the body’s inability to efficiently use or produce insulin. The symptoms such as frequent urination, increased thirst, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue are common in both types. However, while Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency, Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s resistance to insulin or an inadequate production of insulin. There is generally a stronger genetic predisposition in Type 2 diabetes, but it is also heavily influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. In contrast, Type 1 diabetes onset is typically in children and young adults and does not appear to be preventable. It’s important to note that each type requires different treatment strategies but ultimately, the goal remains the same – maintaining optimal blood sugar levels to prevent complications. At Rachman Medical Group in Reseda, CA, we ensure that our patients receive tailored care based on their specific type of diabetes and individual needs.

Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent condition globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 422 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, a number that has quadrupled since 1980. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 34 million people, or around 10% of the population, have diabetes. Disturbingly, it also estimates that 1 in 5 of those individuals are unaware they have the disease. Moreover, approximately 88 million American adults have a third-have pre-diabetes, a condition that if not treated often leads to type 2 diabetes within five years. These statistics underscore the immense health challenge that diabetes presents, making its effective management an urgent public health priority.

The exact cause of diabetes differs based on the type. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system erroneously attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. The cause of this immune reaction is still under scientific investigation, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. On the other hand, several factors contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, including genetics, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and being overweight. Notably, while Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes, Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Understanding the causes of diabetes is the first step towards managing the condition effectively. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have diabetes or if you have pre-existing diabetes and need assistance managing it, call Rachman Medical Group in Reseda, CA, or book an appointment online. Our team of experienced physicians is here to provide the comprehensive care you need.

Diabetes is a condition where you have abnormally high blood glucose levels on a regular basis. A majority of people have type II diabetes. In fact, up to 90 percent of patients have this form as opposed to type I. In type II diabetes patients, either your body doesn’t produce an adequate amount of insulin or your body is resistant to it.

Not only can diabetes cause various symptoms like fatigue, frequent thirst and urination, and patches of dark skin, but over time, it can damage your nerves, heart, and kidneys. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in your eyes and lead to blindness. It also puts you at an increased risk for gum disease and recurring yeast infections.

Many patients don’t experience any symptoms for years, and by the time they do notice symptoms, the damage is already done. That’s why searching for a “primary care clinic near me” to receive routine physical examinations is vital.

You might experience increased hunger since insulin isn’t moving an adequate amount of sugar to your cells. Your muscles and organs don’t have enough energy, which in return, causes you to feel hungrier than usual.

Although you may eat more than usual to compensate for the hunger, you may still lose weight. This is because your body isn’t metabolizing glucose appropriately, so your body begins to use stored energy.

You might also have ulcers and blurred vision.

When you come into our family medicine practice, we assess your risk for diabetes by evaluating your weight since being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing diabetes. Another risk factor is polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Our family medicine practitioner will also gather detailed information about your medical history since the following elevate your risk as well:

• Being over 45 years of age
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Taking certain medications
• Living a sedentary lifestyle

As a “primary care clinic near me” search engine result, a family medicine specialist at our clinic screens patients to diagnose diabetes as soon as possible. When a general practitioner at our clinic diagnoses diabetes early, or even as prediabetes, it leads to the best prognosis since we can use lifestyle changes and medications to intervene.

We manage diabetes using medications and lifestyle changes in order to prevent complications like heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations. We strive to manage all cases of diabetes adequately using the latest innovations and comprehensive care.

If you live in or near Reseda, CA, and are interested in discussing diabetes management, contact Rachman Medical Group today or request an appointment online. We are open 5 days a week Monday – Friday from 9 am -5 pm. We are ready to help you feel better! We serve patients in Reseda CA, San Fernando CA, Twin Lakes CA, Hidden Hills CA, and Burbank CA.