Diabetes Management Specialist in Carrboro, NC

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is caused by (1) your body not making enough insulin or (2) you’re your body not being able to effectively use the insulin it makes. Insulin is the hormone responsible for moving sugar from your blood into your cells so that it can be used for energy. When this process can’t be completed, it may be indicative that you have diabetes. 

When left untreated, high blood sugar from diabetes can have serious complications. This includes nerve, eye, and kidney damage. 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of diabetes is key in getting it diagnosed and treated. You may have diabetes if you experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Blurred vision.
• Decreased muscle strength.
• Decreased sex drive. 
• Dry and itchy skin
• Dry mouth.
• Erectile dysfunction
• Frequent unexplained infections.
• Frequent urinary tract infections.
• Frequent urination.
• Frequent yeast infections 
• Increased thirst.
• Tingling and/or numbness in the hands or feet.
• Slow-healing sores or cuts.
• Unplanned weight loss.
• Weak, tired feeling.

Managing your diabetes is key to maintaining a high quality of life and preventing medical complications. 

To best manage your diabetes, you want to make sure that you’re keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal levels as possible. This can be achieved by following a healthy diet plan, increasing your activity level, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medication as prescribed by your doctor. Diabetes management also includes maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, and keeping your blood pressure within a normal range. If you’re currently a smoker or use tobacco products, quitting is also highly beneficial. 

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that cannot be prevented. It requires lifelong management via the use of testing tools and medication. There are things that you can do, however, to help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. These include: 

• Eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet.  
• Maintaining a healthy weight. 
• Getting physically active for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.  
• Limiting your alcohol intake. 
• Getting good quality sleep (typically between 7 to 9 hours).
• Quitting smoking and/or using tobacco products.
• Lowering your stress levels through relaxation techniques, therapy, or other mindfulness methods.
• Taking medications as directed by your healthcare provider. 
• Regularly scheduling wellness checks with your healthcare provider. 
• Booking in to see your physician if you think you’re showing symptoms of diabetes. 

There are risk factors, such as genetics and family history, that can’t be changed. However, there are some risk factors that can be managed. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as the ones listed above, you can help to decrease your chances of getting diabetes. 

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we understand how detrimental diabetes can be to your day-to-day life. That’s why our team of experienced medical practitioners is dedicated to getting your health back on track, helping you to both diagnose and treat your diabetes through the most comprehensive care. Connect with us today for more information about how we can help you manage your diabetes or to get booked for an appointment at your earliest convenience. To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.