Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects people all over the world. The condition can be life-altering and even life-threatening if not managed properly. Here, we will explore the important role that your primary care practitioner plays in the prevention, management, and treatment of diabetes, and offer tips to help you find an expert primary care provider near you.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known simply as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels caused by either:
- The body’s inability to produce insulin, a hormone which controls blood glucose (type 1 diabetes).
- The body’s inability to use insulin effectively or create enough insulin (type 2 diabetes), meaning blood glucose (sugar) levels keep rising.
There are also other less common types of diabetes mellitus, which include gestational diabetes, type 3c diabetes, and cystic fibrosis diabetes, among others.
The cause of type 1 diabetes mellitus is still not known, but it is not related to diet or lifestyle. Whereas age, ethnicity, family history, obesity, and certain lifestyle factors (such as poor diet or inactivity) can increase your risk factor of developing type 2 diabetes.
How is Diabetes Diagnosed and Treated?
Diabetes mellitus is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure glucose levels. The most common tests include the following:
- Fasting plasma glucose test (requires an 8-hour fast)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (measures glucose before and after consuming a high-glucose drink)
- HbA1c test (provides an average of your blood sugar over the past 2-3 months)
Once diagnosed, treatment of diabetes focuses on maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range. This is typically achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity, weight management, and when necessary, medication or insulin therapy.
Those with type 1 diabetes will require insulin, while those with type 2 may manage their condition with lifestyle changes and oral medications, although insulin may eventually be required, too. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and routine check-ups with your primary care provider are essential ways to manage the disease effectively.
How Your Primary Care Provider Can Help
A family practice physician, or primary care practitioner, is a health care professional that focuses on the overall health and well-being of the patient, not just one specific organ or system. They are your first contact for healthcare and play a key role in the prevention and management of diabetes. Here are some ways your primary care provider can help with diabetes:
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure, and identifying at-risk individuals early on is crucial in preventing the development of diabetes. Your primary care provider can:
- Assess your risk for developing diabetes by considering factors like age, family history, weight, and lifestyle.
- Help you with developing a personalized plan to decrease your risk through weight management, healthy diet, and exercise.
- Screen you regularly to detect early signs of diabetes, and initiate timely interventions, if needed.
Management
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your primary care practitioner can help you manage the condition by:
- Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels and adjusting your treatment plan accordingly.
- Prescribing appropriate medications and explaining how to use them correctly.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals like diabetes educators, nutritionists, and specialists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.
Treatment
When complications arise due to uncontrolled diabetes, your primary care provider can help by:
- Identifying the early signs of complications, like diabetic retinopathy or kidney disease, to avoid or mitigate more severe health problems.
- Referring you to the most appropriate specialist when necessary.
- Providing emotional support and connecting you with resources that can help cope with the impact of diabetes on your daily life.
Finding the Right Primary Care Provider Near Me
A primary care practitioner plays an important role in the prevention, management, and treatment of diabetes. So, if you are seeking expert guidance to help you navigate the trials and tribulations of a chronic condition such as diabetes mellitus, consider the following tips:
- Ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations.
- Look for online reviews and ratings of primary care providers in your area.
- Research primary care providers with a special interest or skill-set to manage your specific health condition.
- Choose a provider who accepts your insurance.
- Schedule a meet-and-greet appointment to see if they are a good match for your needs and preferences.
Diabetes mellitus can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right primary care provider by your side, you can work together to manage this chronic disease successfully and reduce the impact of the disease on your quality of life. So, take a proactive approach to finding a primary care provider near you and start building a partnership that will safeguard your health for years to come.
Diabetes Treatment in Oviedo, Florida
If you are at risk of developing diabetes mellitus or need help managing the condition successfully, visit the Diabetes & Weight Loss Center in Oviedo, Florida. Our family medicine certified nurse practitioner, Adriel Perez, specializes in the management of acute and chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and other endocrine disorders.
We provide high-quality, evidence-based medical care for our patients, from diagnosing your condition through treatment and beyond. Our comprehensive diabetes management plans are customized to your lifestyle and specific needs to ensure you receive the most effective treatment for your condition.
To learn more, call us at (407) 890-1876 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We provide comprehensive care to residents of Central Florida and are proud to serve patients in both English and Spanish.
