As November ushers in the transition from fall to winter and heralds the upcoming holiday festivities filled with tempting treats, it also serves as a vital reminder: it’s American Diabetes Month. This month emphasizes the significance of understanding diabetes, a chronic health condition that affects millions across the United States.

At AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon, we are dedicated to providing insights that can help you grasp the complexities of diabetes, empowering you to manage it effectively and maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

What Is Diabetes?

According to the CDC, diabetes is a persistent health issue that hampers the body's ability to convert food into energy. When you eat, the food breaks down into sugar, known as glucose, which enters your bloodstream. This triggers your pancreas to release insulin—a hormone that acts as a key to help sugar enter your body’s cells for energy.

In diabetes, however, the body either produces insufficient insulin or cannot utilize it effectively. This leads to excess sugar lingering in the bloodstream, which can result in severe complications over time, including heart disease, vision impairment, and kidney problems. Although there is no cure for diabetes, a healthy lifestyle can substantially enhance the quality of life for those living with the condition.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes manifests in various forms, including Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune condition arises when the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Insulin is essential for allowing blood sugar to enter cells; without it, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In this case, the body becomes resistant to insulin, making it difficult for sugar to enter the cells. The pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin, but eventually, it can’t keep up, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This sets the stage for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy in women who previously had normal blood sugar levels. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy.

Additionally, prediabetes is often considered a fourth type, characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that aren’t yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It's crucial for anyone with a family history or risk factors for diabetes to get a thorough check-up, as many individuals with prediabetes are unaware of their condition.

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to have your blood sugar levels evaluated by a trusted healthcare provider. AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon offers convenient blood work without the need for an appointment:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Blurry vision
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Persistent fatigue
• Very dry skin
• Slow-healing sores
• Increased susceptibility to infections

Managing Diabetes: Essential Guidelines

Effective diabetes management requires a proactive approach. Here are some recommendations for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:

For Type 1 Diabetes:

• Educate yourself about your condition and how to manage it.
• Manage stress levels to help regulate blood sugar.
• Keep a food diary to monitor how different foods affect your blood sugar.
• Prioritize your overall health by ensuring adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
• Schedule regular medical check-ups to monitor your condition.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Connect with the diabetes community for support.

For Type 2 Diabetes:

• Adopt a healthy diet rich in low-carb, high-protein foods, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Avoid sugary and fatty foods.
• If overweight, aim to lose 5-7% of your body weight to help lower blood sugar levels.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise each week to boost your overall health and better manage blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Checkups at AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon

If you’re looking for blood sugar level assessments, AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon is here to help. Remember, diabetes is manageable with the right approach, and effective management is vital to prevent severe health complications. You can visit us for routine blood work any day of the week without needing an appointment, but are welcome to make one here, or simply walk in for a convenient blood sugar check.

Don’t forget: We provide an easy-to-use online payment system, making it quick and simple to settle your bill. We also accept most insurances!