Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a term used to describe a group of chronic diseases characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) called Hyperglycaemia. 

Everyone needs blood sugar to survive. It provides energy for the muscles and tissues throughout the body and promotes brain function. However, if your blood sugar levels are too high for an extended period of time, it can lead to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. 

Although there’s no cure for diabetes, healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight loss, and eating a nutritious diet can help keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you’re concerned about your risk of diabetes, don’t wait to seek professional medical help. 

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, including:

Type 1 diabetes

“Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin.”

Type 2 diabetes

“Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated.” You are considered insulin resistant

“Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics. Early diagnosis is important to prevent the worst effects of type 2 diabetes.”

Gestational diabetes

“Gestational diabetes is Hyperglycemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.

Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. These women and possibly their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms.”

How is diabetes diagnosed?

To diagnose diabetes, your Primary Care Provider will conduct a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions about your symptoms while reviewing your Lab results. They also order a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. An A1C test is a blood test that doesn’t require fasting. It measures your average blood sugar levels for the past two or three months. If your A1C level is 6.5% or higher on two or more tests, it means you have diabetes.  From there once they identify you have developed or are at risk for developing Diabetes they will refer you to our highly trained team here at Diabetes and Lifestyle Management. You are able to Self refer to our practice as well.

How is diabetes treated?

Education is key

Tools for educations

3 Appointment Training Opportunity

Continuous Glucose Sensors (CGS), a 10-14 day Sensor providing real time reading on blood glucose levels without having to stick your finger, providing alarms for Hyperglycemic and Hypoglycemic events and trending arrows letting you know if you glucose levels are changing.

Appointment 1: This is an in person appointment, where training is provided on how to use the device, connect the device to the Practice for Remote monitoring and explain what to expect. The first week you wear the device and live your life without any changes being made.

Appointment 2: This can be in person or remote if needed. Here you will review week one’s data and your provider will give you recommendations in which you are to follow for week 2, based of what was identified that first week.

Appointment 3: At the end of the two weeks you will the data from both weeks, allowing you and your the opportunity to see how the recommendation provided impacted your glucose levels. Compare and contrast, see what worked for you and what did not, and it allows for you to work together to get an individualized care plan.

For patients who qualify, and who desire to have a CGS, we will prescribe and have mailed out monthly supplies as needed.

Appointments with your Providers

The caring providers at Diabetes and Lifestyle Management specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of diabetes. 

Usually, they recommend conservative, holistic measures to improve your blood sugar levels naturally. This includes exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, managing your stress levels, and eating a healthy, nutritious diet. Following an exam, your provider develops a custom diet plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ll also need to participate in insulin therapy. 

Appointments with our Lifestyle Educators

Providing education on Carb Counting, Nutritional Guidance, Meal Planning, help with identifying areas for behavior modifications to improve management of glucose levels.

To learn more about managing your diabetes, request an appointment at Diabetes and Lifestyle Management today by calling the office at

(603) 552-3309

References:

Bureau, U. C. (2023, November 2). National Diabetes Month: November 2023. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/diabetes-month.html

World Health Organization. (2023, April 5). Diabetes. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes#:~:text=Overview,hormone%20that%20regulates%20blood%20glucose.

Kelley-Hedgepeth, A. (2020b, February 17). Good news for those with type 2 diabetes: Healthy Lifestyle Matters. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/good-news-for-those-with-type-2-diabetes-healthy-lifestyle-matters-2020021718827