What causes diabetes?
Diabetes is a broad umbrella term for several different types of conditions that affect how your body uses glucose, the simplest form of sugar. Every cell in your body — especially brain cells — need glucose for fuel in order to do their jobs.
But cells can’t absorb glucose without the hormone insulin, which is secreted by your pancreas. If you have diabetes, it means that your cells aren’t able to utilize glucose, likely because of an issue with insulin.
For instance, if you have Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t produce insulin and you need to get it through lifelong insulin injections (or a pump). This type of diabetes can be inherited and typically develops during adolescence, although you can certainly develop Type 1 diabetes at any time if something happens to your pancreas (like an infection).
In recent years, cases of Type 2 diabetes have been on the rise. With this type of diabetes, your pancreas may be able to produce insulin, although likely in inadequate amounts. Or the insulin you have is unusable (insulin resistance). While it can be inherited, oftentimes, Type 2 diabetes stems from being overweight.
Are there symptoms of diabetes?
Yes. Diabetes can cause several symptoms and abnormal issues, although most of them aren’t entirely obvious and you may overlook them. You’re encouraged to schedule a diabetes exam at the office of Soujanya Marupuru, MD if you’re experiencing:
- Regular illnesses or infections
- Extreme thirst or hunger
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent urination
- Chronic fatigue
These are just some of the red flags that your diabetes is poorly managed, or that you may be developing diabetes. Dr. Marupuru conducts expanded laboratory testing to get to the root of your symptoms in an effort to put together an effective diabetes management plan.
What is diabetes management?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. Dr. Marupuru has you check in regularly to ensure your diabetes is under control and to prevent complications. She even provides the following diabetes treatment services:
- Dietary and nutrition counseling
- Weight-loss planning (if needed)
- Insulin management
If you have Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Marupuru may prescribe medications to help regulate insulin sensitivity, insulin production, or the release of glucose. Dr. Marupuru can also collaborate with any specialists you need to see, including an endocrinologist or podiatrist, to further ensure you get the care you need to manage your diabetes.
You can receive quality diabetes management care at the office of Soujanya Marupuru, MD. Find out more by booking an exam online or over the phone today.
