Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose), which is an important source of energy for your body and mind. This can lead to too much sugar in your blood, which can cause serious health problems.

The most common diabetes conditions are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. There are two earlier forms of the disease called prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar) and gestational diabetes, both of which can be reversed with proper diet and exercise. 

Diabetes can affect people of any age, although type 1 diabetes starts in childhood or during teen years, and is often not preventable. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people older than 40, however childhood obesity has resulted in more cases of Type 2 diabetes in younger patients. Type 2 diabetes can be managed by losing weight, eating well, and engaging in regular physical activity. If these activities do not work, diabetes medication can be used.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes?

Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:

  • Feeling more thirsty than usual
  • Urinating often
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Irritability or frequent mood swings
  • Blurry vision
  • Slow-healing bruises or sores
  • Frequent infections, such as gum, skin and genital infections

How to Prevent Diabetes:

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are important parts of diabetes prevention. If you remain active each day, stay at a healthy weight (this means limiting heavily processed foods like fast food, sugary desserts, and potato chips), you should be able to enjoy a healthy, diabetes-free life.

Managing Diabetes:

Living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes is a matter of being responsible about your body. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin therapy and other treatments can help. People can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy lives.

By living in a healthy way, with regular exercise and proper diet, you can live a normal life and do everything you set out to do.

A key part of managing type 2 diabetes is maintaining a healthy diet. You need to eat something sustainable that helps you feel better and still makes you feel happy and fed. Work to find helpful tips and diet plans that best suit your lifestyle.

Fitness is another key to managing type 2 diabetes. It is important to find activities you love and do them as often as you can. No matter how fit you are, a little activity every day can help you put yourself in charge of your life.

How can San Ysidro Health help?

San Ysidro Health offers high-quality, accessible primary care and other services that can help you manage your diabetes. By calling or texting (619) 662-4100, you can schedule an appointment today.

For San Ysidro Health patients, we also offer several education programs that can help give you skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle and better manage your diabetes. Click here to learn more Health Education at San Ysidro Health.