Diabetes
Edward A. Kelly Jr., MD
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. With this condition, the body does not correctly convert blood sugar into energy.
Based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Edward A. Kelly Jr. at Downingtown Family Practice provides effective treatments to help alleviate the health complications related to diabetes through comprehensive care, follow-ups, and prevention.
Contact Downingtown Family Practice today by phone or online to learn more about how you can fight this illness.
Diabetes Q & A
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
With Type 1 diabetes, your body makes too little insulin or none at all. Your body needs insulin to regulate your blood sugar and process food.
This autoimmune disease targets the cells in the pancreas and destroys them, leading to irregular and dangerous glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, though not exclusively.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t properly use it to move sugar into your cells. This is the most common form of diabetes and can be found in humans of all ages, with more frequency in the middle-aged and older community.
A third type, called gestational diabetes, can be found in pregnant women. That means your blood sugar levels were too high during your pregnancy. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the pregnancy, though women who have been diagnosed with it are more likely to contract Type 2 diabetes later in life.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes vary according to the type you have, but Downingtown Family Practice identifies some of the most common symptoms as:
- Bladder issues
- Excessive thirst
- Weight loss
- Hunger
- Changes in vision
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Sores that are slow to heal
What are the risks of diabetes?
High blood sugar can lead to many issues, such as heart, kidney, and dental disease; stroke; vision and foot problems; and nerve damage.
How do you treat diabetes?
Downingtown Family Practice recommends two types of treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can be controlled with regular injections of insulin or by wearing an insulin pump, which administers insulin into the body throughout the day.
Type 2 diabetes is treated with diet, exercise, and medication. Downingtown Family Practice helps you create a health and dietary regimen that keeps your blood sugar levels normal and prevents complications.
If you feel as though you might be suffering from diabetes or would like to learn more about the possible treatments available to you, call Downingtown Family Practice today or book an appointment online.
* Individual results may vary