Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the endocrine system and hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar, also known as glucose.

Diabetes can’t be cured, but it can be treated and controlled; many people with diabetes can lead to robust, healthy lives with proper medical management. If left untreated, however, diabetes can cause severe complications that affect the eyes, feet, skin, nervous system, and heart and circulatory system. In some cases, untreated diabetes can be fatal.

What are the different types of diabetes?

The three primary types of diabetes include:

• Type 1: an autoimmune disease in which the body doesn’t make enough insulin; frequently diagnosed in children but may also develop in adults
• Type 2: an acquired disease in which the body loses its ability to process insulin; often diagnosed in middle-aged and older adults and associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Gestational diabetes: triggered by pregnancy, it may cause complications to the developing fetus; typically resolves following childbirth

Symptoms and potential complications are essentially the same for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as these arise from excess glucose levels in the bloodstream. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and/or hunger
• Dry mouth
• Blurry vision
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Numbness or pain in the legs or feet
• Frequent yeast infections

Diabetes can also cause wounds to heal slowly, or not at all.

What does diagnosing diabetes entail?

Dr. Soloniuk-Tays is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating diabetes. She’ll begin with a comprehensive physical exam, a review of your medical history, and also order some tests. These may include a urinalysis, a fasting blood glucose test, or an oral glucose tolerance test, which measures how blood sugar levels change over several hours.

What is the treatment for diabetes?

Based on your individual needs, Dr. Soloniuk-Tays will design a management plan to control the progression of the disease and alleviate your symptoms. Your plan may include:

• Insulin therapy
• Ongoing glucose monitoring
• Dietary changes
• Exercise programs
• Prescription medications
• Regular office visits

Dr. Soloniuk-Tays may also refer you to an eye doctor who specializes in diabetic eye care and to other specialists who can prevent or treat complications in their area of specialty.

To learn more about diabetes management at Compassionate Family Care, call the office today or schedule an appointment online.