Diabetes is not a health condition you want to ignore. Some of you might not know the symptoms or risk factors of the disease and could possibly develop it later on in life. Others might be experiencing it second hand by watching a family member suffer from the disease. The point is, you don’t want to ignore possible warning signs because it may lead to other health complications if left unmanaged. 

Diabetes is a serious health condition that continues to affect millions of people in the United States each year. In light of Diabetes Awareness Month, AFC Urgent Care Danbury encourages everyone to get their blood sugar levels checked regularly and to take the necessary steps to avoid getting full blown diabetes.

Don’t ignore the different types of diabetes

Diabetes has 3 major types you should be aware of:

Type 1 Diabetes is caused by an immune reaction where the body attacks itself by mistake. It’s less common than type 2, however this type of diabetes can stop your body from making insulin. Insulin is supposed to enable blood sugar to enter the cells in your body to be used for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar can’t get into the cells and builds up in the blood. High levels of blood sugar often leads to other health complications with the heart, kidneys and central nervous system. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens and young adults. If you are diagnosed with this type you’ll need to take insulin everyday to survive as high blood sugar may cause complications to other vital organs 

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes that affects millions of people in the United States. It’s usually diagnosed in adults, but can develop at any age. Normally, bad lifestyle habits and behaviors like smoking, not getting enough exercise and poor diet can lead to diabetes type 2. Someone with type 2 diabetes has trouble with insulin regulation. As the body does not respond normally to insulin the body will produce more of it, which can often lead to higher levels of blood sugar. Once diagnosed with type 2,  many individuals struggle with daily management and other health related complications.

Diabetes during pregnancy or “gestational diabetes” can be one of the more serious types as it can affect both you and your newborn. During pregnancy, a woman's body produces more hormones and goes through other changes, such as weight gain. According to the CDC all women have some insulin resistance during late pregnancy, which makes them more susceptible to developing gestational diabetes and even type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. 

Being prediabetic is the first warning sign

There are many people who are diagnosed with diabetes who wish they would have reacted sooner to the warning signs. In fact, there are millions of people in the United States who are prediabetic or not diagnosed because they avoid going to the doctor.

If you notice any of these symptoms and risks, we encourage that you go to the doctor or come see one of our providers at any of our 3 Danbury AFC Urgent Care Centers  to get evaluated. These symptoms and risks include one or more of the following:

Risk factors for diabetes

• Being overweight (including childhood obesity)
• Family history of diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Having a history of high blood pressure or takes medicine for high blood pressure
• Having  low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides
• Having diabetes during pregnancy ( Gestational Diabetes)
• Having been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Symptoms of early onset diabetes

• Increased thirst and urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Unexpected weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Slow-healing sores and frequent infections
• Red, swollen gums
• Tingling or numbness in your hands or feet

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or warning signs then it’s time to pay a visit to your general doctor. A medical professional can provide better insight on ways to manage these symptoms and prevent full blown diabetes.

How can I avoid getting diabetes?

The first step is to get blood work to check for diabetes. 

An A1C test can help you determine where your blood sugar levels are at. From there you can speak with your doctor about prevention. You may need to consider changing your lifestyle by incorporating more exercise and dietary changes. Depending on your blood sugar levels it is highly suggested to get your blood sugar levels checked more often.

If you already have the disease, know that there are still management tools to help you stay on track mentally and physically. 

AFC Urgent Care Danbury can help check your blood sugar levels

Are you worried about your blood sugar levels being too high? AFC Urgent Care Danbury offers routine check ups on a walk-in basis. There is no appointment needed and we can check your blood sugar levels at any of our 3 Danbury locations on:

• 100 Mill Plain Rd.
• 2 Main St.
• 76c Newtown Rd.

We can also help point you in the right direction to better manage your diabetes or prevent you and your loved ones from developing it. Always here for you 7 days a week!