Diabetes Specialist

CFP Physicians Group -  - Family Physician

CFP Physicians Group

Family Physicians & Geriatrics located in Casselberry, FL

Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the way your body converts glucose into energy. At CFP Physicians Group in Casselberry, Florida, the team of experienced doctors diagnose diabetes and provide customized treatment plans to improve and protect your health. If you’re concerned about diabetes, call or make an appointment online today.

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes prevents your body from converting glucose — blood sugar — into energy. Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage many parts of your body, including your blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. There are three main types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin, the hormone responsible for converting glucose into energy in your cells. Type 1 diabetes usually emerges during childhood. It’s often hereditary and is due to an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes develops later in life when your body isn’t able to use insulin correctly. Your genetics also influence your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, although lifestyle factors such as your weight, diet, and exercise habits also factor into your chances of developing the disease.

Some pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes. The condition usually emerges during the second trimester and is due to a hormone produced in the placenta that disrupts the conversion of glucose to energy. Gestational diabetes usually disappears soon after your baby is born.

What are the signs of diabetes?

In many cases, diabetes doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, as your disease progresses and your blood sugar levels increase, you may develop symptoms including:

  • Increased hunger and thirst
  • More frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability

As diabetes progresses, you may also find that sores or wounds don’t heal as quickly as they should, and you may notice that your vision becomes blurry.

How is diabetes treated?

The doctors at CFP Physicians Group diagnose diabetes with blood and urine tests to monitor your blood sugar and insulin levels. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, they implement a customized treatment plan to manage your disease. 

Diet is a critical part of a diabetes treatment plan. When your body isn’t able to regulate its blood sugar levels, you can reduce the sugar in your blood by cutting sugar out of your diet. Additionally, adding physical activity to your day can help your body reduce your blood sugar levels. Even a 20-minute walk after a meal can make a difference.

When diet and exercise aren’t enough to regulate your blood sugar, your doctor can prescribe insulin. If you have Type 1 diabetes and your body doesn’t produce insulin, you have to take insulin to help your body to function normally. Many patients who have Type 2 diabetes also benefit from insulin.

If you’re concerned about diabetes, call CFP Physicians Group, or make an appointment online today for expert, customized treatment plans.