Symptoms of type 2 diabetes, the most common form, usually start subtly and then worsen as the condition progresses. Diabetes can eventually damage your heart, blood vessels, brain, digestive system, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Effective diabetes management helps prevent these long-term health consequences.
Kadie E. Leach, MD, is an internist who offers outstanding primary care services to residents in the metropolitan area of Washington, DC. Dr. Leach is also an experienced emergency medicine physician who spent many years providing emergency care for people experiencing heart attacks, kidney failure, strokes, and other life-threatening consequences of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. This helped fuel her passion for preventing chronic disease through a whole-patient approach to health care.
Here’s what Dr. Leach says about the importance of managing diabetes.
Every cell in your body requires energy from glucose (sugar) to function normally. Cells obtain glucose from a complex process that includes action from your digestive system, liver, and pancreas.
Glucose is released into the bloodstream from the foods you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, triggers cells to absorb glucose. Because your body requires a steady supply of this sugary fuel, the liver stores excess blood glucose and releases it when necessary, such as during vigorous exercise or overnight.
Diabetes occurs when your cells become insulin resistant or when your pancreas produces insufficient insulin, causing your blood sugar to rise to dangerous levels. Without treatment, this imbalance of glucose and insulin causes the long-term health consequences of diabetes.
Symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes are initially subtle enough that you may dismiss them as insignificant. You may, for instance, experience increased thirst or occasional tingling or numbness in your feet. Increased hunger, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds are also early warning symptoms of diabetes.
However, over time, poorly managed diabetes can cause significant issues. For instance, the occasional tingling and numbness you may be experiencing in your feet warn of nerve damage (neuropathy), a prevalent complication of diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy usually affects the feet and toes first. Then, as the nerve damage worsens, it causes significant pain and altered sensations that may interfere with mobility as it spreads to nerves in your legs, arms, hands, and other areas.
Long-term health complications associated with poorly managed diabetes include:
Fortunately, effective diabetes management can significantly decrease your risk of developing these debilitating conditions.
Diabetes management focuses on lowering and then maintaining healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Dr. Leach develops individualized diabetes treatment strategies based on your initial evaluation results, including a physical exam and labs. For instance, you will need lab tests to evaluate your average blood sugar levels, heart health, and kidney function.
Your treatment may include oral medication to:
People with type 1 diabetes, which prevents the pancreas from producing any insulin, require synthetic insulin injections.
Healthy lifestyle changes, such as improved nutrition and increased physical activity, are equally essential in managing diabetes. Dr. Leach works with you to develop a strategy that fits your current needs and circumstances.
You also require routine follow-up visits to ensure your diabetic treatment strategies are effective. As a primary care physician, Dr. Leach manages your diabetic care closely, providing education and feedback regarding your course.
She can also develop a strategy to effectively reset your glucose levels if you’re on the verge of developing diabetes (prediabetes), which is the case for about 96 million adults in the United States. Changing course now can prevent the complications of diabetes from becoming part of your health history.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Leach today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
