Diabetes Specialist
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Las Vegas Family Medicine
Family Medicine located in Las Vegas, NV
The complications of diabetes can be worrying, but with the right medical care and support, you can control and manage your condition and lower your risks. Rulon Owen, DO, is a capable and compassionate physician who can help you combat symptoms, regulate blood sugar, ease your mind, and improve your general health at Las Vegas Family Medicine in Las Vegas. Book your personal consultation here on the web or call the friendly office staff today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that involves problems with blood sugar levels and the insulin hormone that’s secreted by the pancreas. Your pancreas is an organ located near your stomach that releases the insulin hormone to help carry excess blood sugar away from your bloodstream and into your cells to be utilized for energy.
Sugar (glucose) is used as an energy source by your body and when you consume sugar and sugar present in foods, your pancreas releases the insulin hormone to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
High blood sugar levels happen when your cells can’t properly respond to insulin or when your pancreas can’t produce enough of it. Over time, high blood sugar levels turn into diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes vary, but can include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent urination
- Vision problems
- Unexplained weight loss
You might also experience excessive thirst and hunger.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Prediabetes indicates that your blood sugar levels are above average, but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes over time if blood sugar levels continue to rise.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t properly respond to insulin, leading to excess sugar present in the blood.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition involving your immune system malfunctioning and mistakenly attacking your pancreatic cells that create the insulin hormone necessary to regulate your blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that women develop during pregnancy. In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after childbirth.
What causes diabetes?
Several factors might be involved in the development of diabetes, such as:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Genetics
- Hormones
- Family history
- Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disease and high cholesterol.
Diabetes can cause complications, such as nerve damage and heart disease.
How is diabetes treated?
Dr. Owen offers valuable and proven solutions to help you manage and control your diabetes, such as:
- Insulin and oral medications
- Lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, fitness plans and exercise, smoking cessation, weight loss, sleep quality, and stress management
- Supplements and vitamins
- Blood sugar monitoring
Dr. Owen assesses important components that are often overlooked and might be worsening your diabetes, such as nutrient deficiencies, stress, and poor sleep quality.
For the constructive, personalized, and encouraging medical care you deserve, call Las Vegas Family Medicine or book online today.
