Diabetes refers to a chronic medical condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (glucose). Managing this disorder is a lifelong dedication that may be frustrating but still necessary to preserve your health. If left untreated, San Pedro diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney damage. The three types of diabetes include:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which your pancreas cannot produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone regulating the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood and is necessary for the body to use glucose as a source of energy. The disorder causes your body’s immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy the beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in a complete lack of insulin production.

Type 1 diabetes is typically detected in childhood or adolescence but can manifest at any age. You can lead a healthy and active life with proper management, but you will need to supplement your insulin for the rest of your life.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disorder in which your body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes effectively. If you have this type of diabetes, glucose accumulates in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. This condition typically develops over time and can go undiagnosed for several years. Factors increasing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, having a family history of the condition, being physically inactive, having high blood pressure, and having an unhealthy diet. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and fatigue. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects women during pregnancy. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough insulin to handle the increased demand for insulin during pregnancy. This insufficiency leads to high blood sugar levels, which can harm you and your baby. Gestational diabetes typically develops in the second or third trimester. The Harbor Community Health Centers team uses a glucose tolerance test, which measures the amount of glucose in the blood after the mother drinks a sugary beverage. If the test results show elevated blood sugar levels, you may have gestational diabetes.

Available treatments for diabetes

The treatment options for diabetes depend on the type of diabetes and the severity of the condition. For type 1 diabetes, your treatment may include insulin therapy through injections or an insulin pump. For Type 2 diabetes, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, physical activity, and weight management. In some cases, oral medications or insulin may be necessary to help regulate blood sugar levels. Other treatment options for type 2 diabetes include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, bile acid sequestrants. Additionally, you may require regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels and adjustments to your treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

For more information about diabetes, call the Harbor Community Health Centers office or book an appointment online.