Diabetes
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Emilio Gutierrez MD
Family Medicine located in Austin, TX
Did you know that, between the years of 1988 and 2014, the diagnosed prevalence of diabetes in the United States has increased by 382%? If you are or believe you may be among the millions of Americans suffering from diabetes today, take action by visiting Emilio Gutierrez, MD, at his practice in Austin, Texas. Dr. Gutierrez can set you on a track to improved health, and a longer, higher quality life with the ones you love. If you’re ready to tackle your diabetes, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gutierrez online or over the phone today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Your body collects blood glucose from the food you consume and uses that glucose to energize its cells. To help it do so, your pancreas secretes the hormone insulin.
When you have diabetes, this process doesn’t work normally. Instead, either one of two things happen: the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or insulin can’t get sugar into the cells. These types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2, respectively.
Type 1 diabetes typically first appears during childhood, while Type 2 diabetes usually manifests during adulthood. In addition, you can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. (Gestational diabetes usually disappears after you give birth.)
Of all of these, Type 2 diabetes is the most common.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Signs that you may be suffering from diabetes include:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Mysterious weight loss
- Slow-to-heal sores
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent bathroom breaks
- Susceptibility to infection
- Blurred vision
Diabetes symptoms can come on gradually or slowly.
How can diabetes impact my health?
Diabetes is a serious disease that, left unchecked, can wreak havoc on your body. Excess blood sugar can harm your blood vessels, and eventually damage your organ systems. Some diabetes-related diseases and complications include:
- Dental disease
- Eye damage
- Foot damage
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
Diabetes can also increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
How can I manage diabetes?
Depending on the origin and type of your diabetes, Dr. Gutierrez designs a treatment plan that helps you be as healthy as you can be while living with diabetes. Typically, he prescribes lifestyle changes and treatments such as:
- Insulin therapy
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Regular physical activity
- Healthy eating habits
- Medications to stimulate pancreatic insulin production
If you’re intimidated by the thought of exercise, don’t worry. Dr. Gutierrez outlines a safe and healthy exercise plan for you that eases you into physical activity. Ideally, you should do something active for at least 30 minutes every day.
Do you suspect you or your child has or is at risk for diabetes? Don’t wait to get tested. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Gutierrez, call his office or use the online booking tool today.
