Diabetes Management

If you’re a professional with a lot going on, it might be easy to neglect your routine health care because of your fast-paced schedule. At The Practitioner Provider LLC in Baltimore, Maryland, Chloe Parker, CRNP, and the team offer executive health programs that streamline preventive care to make efficient use of your time. To set up your consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic illness with two main types. With both types, your cells can’t properly access and use the sugar in your blood for energy. Diabetes stems from problems with a hormone called insulin that’s made in your pancreas. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin because of an immune system reaction. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t create enough insulin to manage your blood glucose or your body doesn’t effectively use the insulin that’s available. 

What does diabetes management entail?

When there’s too much glucose in your bloodstream, over time, it damages your organs and blood vessels. Managing your diabetes significantly reduces your risk for these health complications. 

The team at The Practitioner Provider LLC specializes in personalized diabetes management. The following strategies can minimize the damage that excess blood sugar does to your body:

Glucose monitoring

Checking your glucose is an important part of managing your diabetes because it helps you make the right dietary and lifestyle decisions to lower it. The team teaches you to use a blood glucose meter to check your glucose at home and on the go. 

Insulin

People with Type 1 diabetes, and some with Type 2, must take insulin to lower their blood glucose. The team at The Practitioner Provider teaches you how to use your insulin properly and take it consistently.

Oral medications

Other medications for diabetes management might cause your pancreas to release more insulin or lower glucose release from your liver.

Diet changes

Changing your diet is a necessary part of diabetes management. You may count your carbohydrates or make other healthy changes to help you manage your glucose levels and lose weight, if needed.

Physical activity

Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively, in turn lowering your blood glucose. 

What happens if I don’t manage my diabetes?

Forgoing the medications and lifestyle changes necessary to manage your diabetes could be very risky for your health, or even fatal. As glucose levels rise in your blood, it can cause damage to your blood vessels and organs. 

Some possible complications of uncontrolled diabetes are:

• Blindness
• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Neuropathy
• Dementia
• Hearing loss
• Erectile dysfunction
• Foot ulcers
• Skin infections
• Kidney failure
• Oral health issues

Fortunately, you can prevent these issues by following your diabetes care plan and keeping your blood sugar well-managed. You should also continue coming in for checkups so your physician and the rest of your team can provide follow-up care. 

Learn more about effective diabetes management by booking an appointment at The Practitioner Provider LLC over the phone or requesting one online today.