Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition that requires expert management to prevent severe complications. At Passion Health Primary Care, you get the diabetes care you need under the guidance of Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooka Naik, MD, and the team. Whether you think you have diabetes or have already been diagnosed, call the offices in Frisco, Irving, Seven Points / Kemp, and Plano, Texas, today to set up your appointment or schedule online.

request an appointment

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is several metabolic conditions that affect how your body processes blood sugar, also called glucose. Glucose is the compound created when your body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat.

Glucose fuels your cells. Your pancreas makes the hormone insulin that directs glucose into your cells to be used as fuel or stored. In someone with diabetes, their pancreas makes little or no insulin.

This means glucose remains in your blood, increasing your blood sugar to dangerous levels. High blood sugar affects many organs.

What are the types of diabetes?

The two primary types of diabetes are:

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in children and teenagers. Your immune system attacks your pancreas so that it doesn’t make insulin.

Type 2

In those with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies don’t properly use insulin. As a result, they become what’s called insulin-resistant. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1, making up nearly 95% of all diabetes cases.

What symptoms suggest I have diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms vary depending on the kind you have. People with Type 1 diabetes usually notice these symptoms because they come on suddenly. Those with Type 2 might not even see their symptoms because they develop gradually.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Hunger and unexplained weight loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Numbness in your hands or feet

You’re at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you’re overweight or obese, live a sedentary lifestyle, have high cholesterol, and have a family history of the disease.

People with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes benefit from making lifestyle changes to improve their overall health. Your provider at Passion Health Primary Care can help you make these changes to your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.

How do you manage diabetes?

Passion Health Primary Care practitioners develop a personalized, compassionate treatment plan to help you manage your blood sugar.

Treatments include changing your diet, losing weight, and getting regular exercise. Those with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. People with Type 2 diabetes might need medication to help manage their blood sugar.

The team will also schedule regular appointments to monitor your blood sugar levels and change your treatment plan when needed.

Get the diabetes care you need by contacting Passion Health Primary Care. Call today for an appointment, or use this website to reach out online.