Diabetes is a common chronic disease that can cause serious problems. With Type 1 Diabetes, it cannot be prevented. However, with Type 2 Diabetes, it can be treated and managed successfully through diet and lifestyle changes. Skilled physician assistant Patricia Edwards, PA-C, diagnoses and treats Type 2 diabetes to reduce your risk of unpleasant symptoms and complications. To schedule an appointment for Type 2 Diabetes treatment with East Texas Family Care, call the office in Palestine, Texas, or book online today.
Type 2 diabetes is a type of diabetes that usually develops after age 40. Though anyone can develop it, this form of diabetes often occurs in people who are overweight or have unhealthy lifestyle habits. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to properly control sugar in your blood.
Over time, untreated high blood sugar increases your risk of medical problems. The earlier you get treated for diabetes, the lower your risk of developing nerve damage, organ damage, and other complications.
Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:
If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may also have frequent gum infections, vaginal infections in women, or skin infections.
Complications that can occur because of untreated Type 2 diabetes include nerve damage, heart problems, kidney damage, eye damage, or foot problems. Your risk of dementia, hearing impairment, and depression also increase with untreated Type 2 diabetes.
Factors that put you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes include:
Things you can do to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes are maintaining ideal body weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and managing high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
To find out if you have Type 2 diabetes, Mrs. Edwards reviews your symptoms and medical history with you. She checks your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs and completes a physical exam. Blood tests allow her to assess your blood sugar levels and determine the most appropriate diabetes treatment plan.
Your personalized Type 2 diabetes treatment may include making healthy lifestyle changes, taking oral medicines, using insulin injections, or combining multiple diabetes treatments.
It’s important to take your medicines exactly as directed by Mrs. Edwards. If you’re overweight, weight loss is a good way to better control blood sugar and sometimes reduce the need to take medications. Monitor your blood sugar regularly at home to ensure your treatment works effectively.
To schedule an appointment for Type 2 Diabetes treatment with East Texas Family Care, call the office in Palestine, Texas, or book online today.
