Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key to let blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or it resists insulin.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. People with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies resist insulin.
Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and nerve damage. However, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives by managing their condition.
Management of diabetes includes:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Taking medication as prescribed
If you are looking for a trusted diabetes specialist, Darryl B. George, DO is here to help. With offices in Roseburg and Beaverton, OR, Dr. George provides comprehensive care for patients with diabetes.