Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body’s blood sugar levels are too high. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with this chronic condition by your primary care physician, you likely have many questions. Here’s some important information about diabetes.

What You Should Know About Diabetes

What’s the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The body’s immune system may destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Primary care physicians most frequently diagnose type 1 diabetes in children and young adults. This disease is treated with daily insulin injections and careful meal planning.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces insulin, but can’t use it effectively. The condition is usually diagnosed later in life and can typically be managed with diet, exercise, and medication.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst or urination, fatigue, blurred vision, extreme hunger, and slow healing sores. However, sometimes there are no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have diabetes is to have your primary care physician do a blood test.

Can you prevent type 2 diabetes?

While there are certain risk factors that you can’t change, such as your family history and age, you can take steps to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Maintain a healthy weight, limit sugary foods and refined carbs from your diet, exercise regularly, and eat plenty of fiber.

Why is it important to check my feet every day?

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can make you lose feeling in your feet. You might not be able to feel a cut or blister on your foot, which can lead to infections. Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, and other changes and report them to your doctor.

If you have other questions about diabetes, turn to the primary care physicians at Patient Choice Medical Care in Hamden, CT. These family doctors are dedicated to delivering one-on-one patient care services ranging from annual physicals to diabetes screenings. They take the time to establish lasting relationships with their patients and make them feel as comfortable as possible. To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor, call (203) 535-0262 or visit their website for more information about their services.