Diabetes affects over 30 million American adults. If you’re living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, Ogechi Mbakwe, MD, can provide the comprehensive, consistent diabetic care you need at Frontline Internal Medicine in Statesboro, Georgia. From initial diagnosis to advanced insulin therapy, Dr. Mbakwe and her experienced medical team have the resources to help you manage diabetes and prevent additional health complications. For a diabetes evaluation, schedule an appointment by calling the Statesboro office or using the convenient online booking feature.

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses blood glucose or sugar, it gets from the foods you eat. Your body produces insulin to convert this blood sugar into the energy you need to function.

With diabetes Type 1, your body isn’t making insulin to support this process. In diabetes Type 2, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin effectively. As a result, sugar levels in your blood remain high, resulting in a variety of health complications.

What causes diabetes?

The cause of Type 1 diabetes isn’t well understood. The condition may be the result of an immune disorder that causes your body to mistakenly attack the insulin-producing cells in your body.

With Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin, and your pancreas can’t make enough of the hormone to overcome resistance. You may be at increased risk for developing the condition if you’re overweight, have poor eating habits, and lack physical activity in your daily life.

There is also prediabetes, a condition where your blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. This condition increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes unless you make the necessary changes to your lifestyle habits.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes can change depending on how high your blood sugar levels are. Type 2 diabetes may not cause any symptoms in its early stages. With Type 1 diabetes, symptoms may happen quickly and be more serious.

Common symptoms of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2 include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Persistent thirst
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Unexplained weight loss

You may also experience frequent infections in your skin or gums that are slow to heal.

What treatment options are available for diabetes?

Dr. Mbakwe can confirm diabetes through blood work and a review of your symptoms.

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need daily insulin therapy to control blood sugar. With Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Mbakwe may initially suggest making lifestyle changes to help you maintain a healthy weight. She also monitors your blood sugar levels regularly and provides support for you to check your levels daily at home.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to keep your blood sugar levels well controlled, Dr. Mbakwe may prescribe insulin or medications to stimulate the production of insulin.

For help managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mbakwe online or by calling the office today.