November marks the transition from fall to the winter season and signals the approaching holiday festivities filled with tempting treats. It also signifies a crucial awareness month - American Diabetes Month. In the United States, diabetes is a prevalent and chronic health condition, making it essential to delve into the intricacies of this disease. 

AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon offers valuable insights to enhance your understanding of diabetes, emphasizing how to effectively manage it and keep your blood sugar levels in check.

What is Diabetes?

As defined by the CDC, diabetes is a persistent health condition that affects the body's ability to convert food into energy. When you consume food, it is primarily broken down into sugar, known as glucose. This glucose is released into your bloodstream, causing your pancreas to release insulin as a key. Insulin's role is to facilitate the entry of sugar into your body's cells for energy utilization. 

However, in cases of diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Consequently, excess sugar remains in the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues like heart disease, vision problems, and kidney disease over time. While there's no cure for diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly benefit those with the condition.

How Many Types of Diabetes are there?

Diabetes manifests in several forms, including Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes: This type arises when the pancreas either produces minimal insulin or none at all. Insulin is vital for enabling blood sugar to enter the body's cells. Without sufficient insulin, sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In this scenario, cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to insulin resistance. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, but it eventually fails to keep up, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and paving the way for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type can emerge during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes previously. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy.

***Prediabetes is often considered a 4th type of diabetes. We urge anyone with a family history or predisposition to diabetes to get a full checkup. Prediabetes is also on the rise and most people who are borderline diabetic, don’t even know they have it!

Diabetes Symptoms: Identifying the Warning Signs

If you suspect any of the following symptoms related to diabetes, it's crucial to have your blood sugar levels checked by a trusted healthcare provider. AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon offers weekly blood work without requiring an appointment.

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

Managing Diabetes: Recommendations for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Effective diabetes management necessitates a proactive approach. Here are some guidelines for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:

For Type 1 Diabetes:

• Educate yourself about the condition and its management.
• Manage stress to help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Maintain a food diary to understand its impact on blood sugar.
• Prioritize overall health with adequate sleep, regular exercise, and smoking avoidance.
• Attend regular medical check-ups.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Connect with the diabetes community for support.

For Type 2 Diabetes:

• Opt for a healthy diet rich in low-carb, high-protein foods, vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Steer clear of sugary and fatty foods.
• Focus on weight loss if overweight, as shedding 5-7% of body weight can significantly lower blood sugar levels.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week to enhance overall health and manage blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Checkups with AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon

For those seeking blood sugar level checks, AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon is readily available to assist you. Remember that diabetes is manageable with the right approach, and proper management is vital to prevent severe health complications. Visit AFC Urgent Care Mt. Vernon for routine blood work any day of the week, and keep in mind that appointments are not required. You can simply walk in and conveniently have your blood sugar checked.

Reminder: we offer an easy to use online payment system that will make paying your bill a lot faster and easier.