As November approaches, the end of Fall brings colder days, and the holiday season is just around the corner. However, November is also significant for another reason—it marks American Diabetes Month, an important time to raise awareness about diabetes and dive deeper into understanding this widespread chronic condition. In the U.S., diabetes affects millions, making it one of the most common health concerns nationwide.

At AFC Urgent Care Springfield, we are committed to providing essential information and resources on diabetes, from understanding the condition to managing it and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

What Exactly is Diabetes?

According to the CDC, diabetes is a long-term condition that impacts how your body converts food into energy. Normally, when you eat, your body breaks down food into sugar (glucose) and releases it into the bloodstream. This triggers the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that helps move the glucose into your cells to be used for energy.

However, in individuals with diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. As a result, sugar remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause severe health issues, including heart disease, vision problems, and kidney damage.

While diabetes is a chronic condition with no cure, it can be managed with the right lifestyle choices.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin or produces very little. Insulin is crucial because it helps move sugar from the blood into the body’s cells. Without insulin, blood sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.
• Type 2 Diabetes: In Type 2, the body’s cells don’t respond well to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin, but over time it can't keep up, leading to rising blood sugar levels.
• Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy in women who didn’t previously have diabetes. It occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy.

Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get your blood sugar levels checked. AFC Urgent Care Springfield is available for routine blood work any day of the week.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Extreme thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Blurry vision
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

How to Manage Diabetes

While diabetes requires careful management, there are practical steps you can take to live a healthy life with the condition. Here are tips for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:

For Type 1 Diabetes:

• Learn as much as you can about your condition to effectively manage it.
• Reduce stress, as it can impact your blood sugar levels.
• Keep a food diary to identify how different foods affect your blood sugar.
• Prioritize overall health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
• Attend regular doctor’s appointments to stay on top of your condition.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, as dental health can affect diabetes management.
• Connect with a support network to share experiences and find encouragement.

For Type 2 Diabetes:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts, while minimizing sugary and fatty foods.
• If overweight, losing 5-7% of your body weight can significantly reduce blood sugar levels.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, as regular exercise helps lower blood sugar.

AFC Urgent Care Springfield Can Help

Diabetes is a manageable condition when treated properly, but if left unchecked, it can lead to severe complications. Discipline and consistent care are key to controlling diabetes effectively.

At AFC Urgent Care Springfield, we offer routine blood sugar testing any day of the week—no appointments needed. Simply walk in and let us help you monitor your levels. We're open seven days a week with a user-friendly payment system that makes the process quick and easy. We accept most insurances.

Take control of your health and stop by AFC Urgent Care  Springfield today to keep your diabetes in check!