Find out how to manage your diabetes and prevent complications with the help of our doctors.
According to the CDC, about 30.3 million people in the US live with diabetes, and around 7.2 million are undiagnosed. Even though diabetes can’t be cured, there are ways to help control your glucose levels and prevent other health complications from taking over. Our Brandon, FL, family medicine doctors, Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers can help make managing your diabetes even easier.
What Are the Signs of Diabetes?
Recognizing the early warning signs of diabetes is essential for getting the treatment you need right away. The sooner you get care, the better. You should call our office as soon as possible for an evaluation if you or a loved one is experiencing,
- Blurry vision
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Unexpected weight loss
- Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands
- Very dry skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Wounds that are slow to heal
How Is Diabetes Treated?
If you have diabetes, your treatment plan may include lifestyle changes and medication. Our Brandon, FL, family medicine team can discuss this with you in person.
Medications
Those with diabetes will be given insulin to help lower their blood sugar. Of course, not everyone will need to take medication for their diabetes; however, if we discover that lifestyle changes aren’t enough to maintain healthy glucose levels, we recommend diabetes medication.
Lifestyle Changes
While medication is certainly something that will help keep your blood sugar levels in check, it isn’t the only solution. Daily choices can also improve your condition or negatively impact your health. Here are some simple ways to keep your diabetes under control,
Diet: Healthy eating is everything, but it isn’t just what you consume daily that can affect your condition. It’s also how much you eat and when you eat it. You want to ensure that every meal contains a nice balance of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains. Avoid carbs and sugar, as they are more likely to cause your blood sugar to spike.
Ensure that you eat at the proper time and that each meal is the appropriate portion size, as it corresponds with your medication. If you aren’t sure how to coordinate your insulin with mealtimes, don’t hesitate to talk to our doctors and physicians about the best schedule.
Exercise: Regular exercise is essential to managing diabetes symptoms, as working out converts glucose into energy. Regularly sticking to physical activity can show your body how to use the insulin produced more efficiently and lower your blood sugar. Before you begin a workout routine, it’s a good idea to consult with our doctors to ensure that you have a safe and effective routine.
Whether you have questions about ways to care for your diabetes or experiencing symptoms but haven’t yet been diagnosed, know that our Brandon, FL, team can provide the comprehensive, customized medicine your whole family needs. Call Biggers Family Medicine at (813) 655-4646 to schedule a consultation.