Q & A: Me, Have Diabetes?Manage the disease by eating a healthy diet,

maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring your blood sugar levels

Q: What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that results in high blood sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes. The most common, type 2 diabetes, is mostly found in adults but is being seen more in children as childhood obesity increases. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children but can be seen in adults. The disease can also appear in pregnant women as gestational diabetes.

Q: What are the symptoms?

Symptoms associated with diabetes depend on how high your blood sugar level is and how fast your sugar level rises. Thirst, hunger, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms.

Q: What medical tests are done to check for diabetes?

Fasting blood sugar, random sugar, HbA1c and glucose tolerance tests are done to diagnose diabetes.

Q: What if I am diagnosed with diabetes?

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to change your lifestyle. You need to follow a healthy diabetes diet, exercise and lose weight if you are overweight. You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly, and your doctor may prescribe pills, injectable medications or insulin to control your blood sugar.

Q: What happens if I don't take care of myself?

To decrease the risk of developing complications, you'll need to regulate your blood sugar. Short-term complications from very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include infections and diabetic coma. Abnormally low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you are on insulin or oral medications. Long-term complications include damage to the eyes that can lead to blindness, kidney failure that can lead to dialysis, and nerve damage that can lead to amputation of limbs. Other complications include heart attack and stroke. So please, take control of your diabetes.

Q: How can I learn to live with my diabetes?

Your primary care physician can refer you to an endocrinologist, who specializes in treating diabetes. You should also enroll in a diabetes self-management program. You'll find information about Parrish Medical Center's Diabetes Education Program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

If you are interested, ask your doctor for a Diabetes Education Program referral, call the office at 321-268-6699, and check the website at parrishmed.com/diabetes.