Diabetes

Did you know that more than 11% of the American population has diabetes, and that many of those people have no idea they have the condition? For residents in and around Friend and Lincoln, Nebraska, board-certified nurse practitioners Ana Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Chantel Collier, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and the team of Complete Rural Medicine offer outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for diabetes. Booking your visit is fast and easy online or over the phone.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your body cannot properly convert food into energy. Every time you eat, your body converts a portion of that food into a type of sugar called glucose.

Glucose travels through your bloodstream to fuel cells throughout your body. In order for glucose to move through cell walls, a special hormone called insulin must be present.  

People with type 1 diabetes have an autoimmune condition that prohibits their pancreas from producing insulin. Without supplemental synthetic insulin, type 1 diabetes is fatal. People with type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or cannot make proper use of the insulin produced. 

What are some signs I might have diabetes?

Not everyone with diabetes presents clear symptoms. That’s why it is so important to work closely with a trusted health professional to get routine screenings for diabetes. 

When symptoms are present, they might include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased hunger and thirst
• Sores that don’t heal quickly
• Dry skin
• Blurry vision

Fortunately, screening for diabetes is a simple and straightforward process. A blood test checks for high levels of glucose, which is a primary indicator of the disease. Routine screenings can also reveal if you are prediabetic, which means you are on the threshold of being fully diabetic. 

How is diabetes treated?

There are many different treatment paths for people with diabetes. Some people require supplemental insulin, which can be administered via self-injection or a special pump device. Insulin therapy requires careful monitoring of your blood sugar throughout the day, so you need to learn how to check your glucose levels before administering insulin. 

Oral medications can also be helpful. Some help your body effectively eliminate glucose through your urine, while others make your tissues more sensitive to insulin. It often takes a combination of medications to achieve the best possible results, so be patient as you work through the process. 

Also, make meaningful improvements to your daily lifestyle to manage your diabetes, such as improving your diet and getting plenty of exercise. Being overweight or obese is directly linked to developing type 2 diabetes, so work to bring your weight down to prevent the condition or help manage your symptoms.

If you have more questions, call Complete Rural Medicine to book a visit. Online scheduling is also an option and can be done from home, any time of day or night.