What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?
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Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with proper diagnosis and management, many patients are able to enjoy the same comfort and quality of life. Individuals with diabetes may experience increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms are all too often ignored, which is why our team at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS focuses on educating patients about their health and offering comprehensive care to manage their well-being effectively.
What exactly is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use the insulin it makes effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from your food get into your cells to be used for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose stays in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause serious health problems, including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. Proper management of diabetes is crucial to prevent these long-term health impacts.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on how much your blood sugar is elevated. Some common diabetes symptoms include increased thirst and frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, the presence of ketones in the urine, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections. Recognizing these diabetes symptoms early on can help you seek timely medical advice and treatment, reducing the risk of severe complications.
Can men and women experience different diabetes symptoms?
While diabetes can affect everyone, some symptoms may present differently in men and women. Understanding these differences can help in early detection and management.
- Signs of diabetes in men often include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and poor muscle strength. These symptoms can be subtle and might not be associated with diabetes.
- Signs of diabetes in women include vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more severe or frequent yeast infections. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation at our Lawrence, KS family practice for proper evaluation.
How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?
We perform a variety of comprehensive tests at Lawrence Family Practice Center for patients who may have diabetes. These include fasting blood sugar tests, A1C tests, and oral glucose tolerance tests. Once diagnosed, treatment often involves lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise along with monitoring blood sugar levels. Our team may also prescribe medication or insulin therapy to help manage your condition and its symptoms.
Experienced care for diabetes patients
At Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, our dedicated team is here to support you in managing your health, whether you're dealing with diabetes or other chronic conditions. We offer personalized care plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you can live more comfortably. Whether you need help with diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing management of diabetes symptoms, our experienced providers are ready to assist you on your health journey. If you're experiencing any possible symptoms of diabetes or need skilled, compassionate care, contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.