Diabetes Mellitus Specialist
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Sunmed Health and Weight Management
Internists located in Visalia, CA
Almost 10% of Americans have diabetes mellitus, a disease that can significantly impact your quality of life. But if you have diabetes, you don’t have to suffer. Catching the disease early, managing it properly, and making healthy lifestyle choices is crucial. Internal medicine physician Dr. Gilbert Sunio at Sunmed Health and Weight Management in Visalia, California, can help you manage diabetes mellitus and lower your risk for diabetes-related health problems. Call or book an appointment online today to learn more.
Diabetes Mellitus Q & A
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a health condition that occurs when your body can’t use energy from food properly. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use the insulin that it does produce.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body absorb sugar energy from the foods you eat. Without it, sugar accumulates in your blood, leading to high blood sugar and associated health problems.
If left untreated, long-term unregulated blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, hands and feet, heart, and nerves. Renal (kidney) failure can also result.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes are different health conditions, but all lead to poorly controlled blood sugar.
- Type 1 diabetes: your body makes too little (or no) insulin; typically diagnosed in children
- Type 2 diabetes: your body makes insulin, but can’t use it properly; typically develops in middle-aged or older adults
- Gestational diabetes: occurs during pregnancy, when developing babies require more glucose and expecting moms’ hormones levels change
Gestational diabetes may go away after childbirth but can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
In some cases, diabetes can be present without any noticeable symptoms. However, you should make an appointment with Dr. Sunio if you’re experiencing any of the following common diabetes symptoms:
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Unintentional weight loss
- Tiredness and weakness
- Slow-healing cuts or sores
- Blurred vision
- Frequent yeast infections
- Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet
- Dry, itchy skin
How is diabetes treated?
Dr. Sunio diagnoses diabetes using blood tests to determine if sugar levels in your blood are within a normal range. High blood sugar tests can indicate diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you can still lead a normal, healthy life, but it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Dr. Sunio can recommend several ways to do this, which may include:
- Nutrition counseling
- Diabetes medications, insulin, or both
- Losing weight, if necessary
- Regular exercise
- Monitoring your blood sugar regularly
- Avoiding tobacco products
If you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes or have symptoms of diabetes mellitus, call Sunmed Health and Weight Management to schedule a consultation, or book an appointment online today.
