Complete Healing of Body, Mind, and Spirit
Biggers Family Medicine is a thriving primary care physician office in Brandon, FL. Our experienced, skilled, licensed, and board-certified Osteopathic Doctors, Dr. Joel Biggers and Dr. Elizabeth Biggers devote their lives to the complete healing of all patients' physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
Our esteemed doctors want to discuss a chronic illness called diabetes.
What to Know About Diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes (Autoimmune Disease)
- This type attacks the pancreas, causing insulin deficiency
- Attacks Children/Adolescents/Some Adults in any age group
Symptoms of this type are,
- Increased Thirst/Appetite/Urination/Fatigue/Weight loss/Genetics/Younger Age Children
The doctor may order,
- Insulin Shots
- A Healthy Diet
- Exercise Plan
- Monitor Blood Pressure/Cholesterol Levels/Get Adequate Sleep
- Insulin to keep blood sugar within acceptable levels
Type 2 Diabetes
This type is common among adults over the age of 45. However, we are sadly seeing increasing numbers of younger people developing this type due to,
- Lifestyles
- Energy Diets
- Sedentary Lifestyles
- Genetic Links
The pancreas's job is to supply normal insulin levels. Over time, your pancreas reduces the average amount of insulin because your body is not responding to the insulin the pancreas makes.
A reduction in insulin leads to excess glucose in the blood. Symptoms develop slowly. Thus, you may not have symptoms or be aware you have diabetes until the doctor orders a routine blood test.
You may see higher than normal blood sugar levels, yet they are not high enough to say you have diabetes. Risk factors include,
- Obesity
- Over 45
- Genetics
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Gestational diabetes
- Newborns over nine pounds.
Your doctor may ask you to manage this at home with medical support. You may require oral diabetic medication. The doctor may also add daily insulin injections. You will monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Gestational Diabetes
We are seeing more pregnant women develop this type of diabetes called insulin resistance, of which there are seldom any symptoms. Causes may include,
- Weight Gain
- Hormone Changes
- Gestational Diabetes
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Newborn Over Nine Pounds
- Obesity
- Over 25 years
- Genetics
- 24th week of pregnancy
- Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, African American, or Pacific Islander,
Treatment includes
- Making Lifestyle Changes
- Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
- Healthy Eating
- Exercise Planning
- Fetal Monitoring
- Possible Insulin/Oral Diabetic Medication
Quality Diabetic Healthcare in Brandon, FL
If you surmise you have diabetic symptoms or are pregnant and need healthcare, please call Dr. Joel Biggers and Dr. Elizabeth Biggers at Biggers Family Medicine, a leading primary care physician in Brandon, FL, for an appointment at (813) 655-4646.