Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body’s primary source of fuel — blood sugar or “glucose” — gets too high. The issue stems from problems with insulin, a hormone your pancreas secretes. Insulin promotes glucose absorption by opening up cell walls. 

With Type 1 diabetes, also known as “juvenile diabetes” because it tends to begin in childhood, your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. But one of the increasingly common types of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, occurs when you can produce insulin. 

With Type 2 diabetes, you may have inadequate levels of insulin. It’s also possible for your body to become resistant to the insulin you have, which may occur if you’re overweight or obese.

You might even develop prediabetes, meaning you have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but don’t have full-blown diabetes — yet. Prediabetes dramatically increases your risk of developing diabetes, so understanding the signs and symptoms and getting medical intervention in earlier stages is critical.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Both prediabetes and diabetes cause symptoms, but they’re often nonspecific, and you may not realize your blood sugar is high. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Frequent infections and illnesses
• Slow-healing wounds
• Ravenous appetite 

You may also notice that you’re losing weight, even though you aren’t trying to or haven’t made any special changes. If any of these issues are affecting you, whether you have a history of managing diabetes or are experiencing new symptoms, contact Family Medicine and Mohr for an evaluation. 

How can I manage my diabetes?

Family Medicine and Mohr provides personalized diabetes care. Dr. Mohr can help you manage your insulin needs and even prescribe Type 2 diabetes medications (if needed) to improve insulin function or glucose absorption.

But Dr. Mohr wants to help you improve your health overall. Rather than just managing your medications, he spends time educating you about lifestyle changes that help keep your blood sugar stable. Dr. Mohr can help you:

• Lose weight and learn to manage it
• Manage your carbohydrate intake and plan meals
• Learn how to get more physical activity into your routine

Making lifestyle changes isn’t just important for diabetes. These types of healthful changes can lower your risk of other issues, including high cholesterol and hypertension, too. 

If you need help managing your diabetes, contact Family Medicine and Mohr for an evaluation. Click on the online booking tool, or call the clinic directly to schedule.