Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your body’s ability to effectively use glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for your cells and comes from the food you eat. The hormone insulin helps get the glucose from your blood to the cells to provide the energy. 

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels are higher than normal because of problems that involve your insulin. Either your body is unable to produce insulin or the insulin is malfunctioning. 

Types of diabetes include:

• Type 1 diabetes – no insulin production
• Type 2 diabetes – malfunctioning insulin
• Gestational diabetes – high blood glucose during pregnancy

The excess glucose in your blood affects your entire body, damaging your blood vessels, organs, and nerves. 

How do I know if I have diabetes?

The only way to know if you have diabetes is through a blood test. Dr. Parker is a family medicine physician who performs diabetes screenings during annual physical and wellness exams for those at risk of developing diabetes.

You may be at risk if diabetes runs in your family or you’re overweight or obese. Dr. Parker annually screens all adults 45 and older for diabetes. 

He may also perform testing to diagnose diabetes if you have symptoms such as unexpected weight loss, increase in thirst, or frequent urination. 

Blood tests that screen for diabetes include:

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test

For the FPG test, Dr. Parker measures your blood glucose level after you fast for at least eight hours. 

A1C test

The A1C test measures your average blood glucose numbers over a three-month period. 

Random plasma glucose (RPG) test

For the RPG test, Dr. Parker checks your blood glucose level when you’re not fasting.

These tests may also help him identify prediabetes, which is a condition in which your blood glucose levels are higher than they should be but not high enough for diabetes. Unlike diabetes, prediabetes is reversible.

How is diabetes treated?

Dr. Parker takes a conservative and patient-centered approach to diabetes care. Treatment depends on the severity of your blood glucose numbers, the type of diabetes you have, and any related health complications. 

Treatment may include:

• Insulin injections for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes Type 2 diabetes
• Oral hypoglycemic medication for Type 2 diabetes
• Diet modification
• Regular exercise
• At-home blood glucose monitoring

Dr. Parker works closely with you, designing a plan that best fits your needs. He provides the education, support, and guidance you need to manage your diabetes.

For comprehensive diabetes care, call Meta Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.