What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system begins attacking parts of your body instead of foreign infections. In the case of diabetes, your immune system attacks special groups of cells in the pancreas called pancreatic islets.
The pancreatic islets are responsible for the production and regulation of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps cells in your body absorb sugar. Once inside the cells, sugar is used to make energy.
If your insulin levels are low, cells can’t produce enough energy, so they starve, no matter how much sugar is available.
What are the main types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes occurs in children and young adults. With Type 1 diabetes, your immune system has destroyed the pancreatic islets, so you don’t make any insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. Only 5% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes occurs most often in middle-aged and older people. With Type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced, but your body doesn't use it correctly. This condition is called insulin resistance. About 90% to 95% of diabetes cases in adults are type 2, making it the most common form of diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes symptoms vary noticeably. The variation depends on how far above normal your blood sugar levels rise. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Almost always being thirsty
- Need to urinate often
- Intense and frequent hunger
- Sudden weight loss without reason
- Unusually great fatigue
- Frequent or constant blurry vision
- Sores or wounds that heal slowly·
If you suspect you or your child may have diabetes, call Partridge Comprehensive Health Services right away to set up an appointment. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
How is diabetes treated?
Although there's no cure for diabetes, it's manageable with a combination of medications, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.
If you live in the Philadelphia area and feel that your current treatment isn’t optimal, contact Dr. Partridge's team today for an appointment so you can learn about your treatment options.
