Diabetes care in Greater Houston and East Texas
Understanding blood glucose levels and insulin
The pancreas is a gland that produces insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar. When the pancreas creates too little insulin, your body is resistant to insulin, or both, the body is not able to effectively regulate blood sugar which leads to high blood glucose levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage various organs and systems in the body, causing complications like heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and vision issues.
Managing diabetes involves monitoring blood sugar levels, adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and, in the case of type 1 diabetes, taking insulin. Controlling blood sugar levels is crucial to prevent complications and lead a healthy life.
What are the common symptoms of diabetes?
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing
- Numbness and tingling
- Skin issues
- Recurrent infections
- Yeast infections
Types of diabetes
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Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body doesn't produce insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to survive.
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Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It typically develops in adulthood, although it can also affect children and adolescents. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity, are often associated with type 2 diabetes.
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Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs. It usually resolves after childbirth, but women who experience gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
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Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It's a warning sign and an opportunity to make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
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Treating diabetes
In treating this chronic disease as recommended by your primary physician, patients may be encouraged to consult with an endocrinologist, an eye doctor, a kidney specialist, a wound care expert, a nutritionist, a diabetes educator, and other professionals. Diabetes causes unique and chronic challenges. Your medical team will work with you to suggest lifestyle changes and a personalized health management program.
- Lifestyle modifications, like:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Weight management
- Insulin therapy
- Regularly monitoring
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
- Insulin pumps
- Weight-loss surgery
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Upcoming Event
15th Annual Diabetes Symposium: Diabetes 2020- Rescheduled
Check back in late summer for a new date.
U.S. News & World Report
U.S News & World Report has recognized Baylor St. Luke's Health Medical Center as one of the best hospitals for several specialties.
