Diabetes specialists in San Antonio

At Methodist Healthcare, we provide continued care for patients in San Antonio, Texas, with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Millions of Americans have received a diabetes diagnosis, and we are here to help control diabetic symptoms and educate our patients on how to lead a healthy lifestyle while managing diabetes.

For more information about our diabetes care services, please call the Methodist Healthcare HealthLine at (210) 575-0355.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes refers to a group of diseases that result in a high presence of glucose—a type of sugar—in the blood. Diabetes conditions can fall into Type 1—symptoms appear severely and quickly—or Type 2—symptoms may not initially be present. Both types of diabetes and the resulting high amounts of glucose in the bloodstream can lead to serious health issues.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please visit one of our expert physicians:

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger
  • Increased thirst
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased frequency of infections

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in pediatric patients, but it can develop at any age in a person's lifetime. Type 1 diabetes occurs due to a lack of insulin being produced in the pancreas—either it is not making any at all or is making only a small amount. Without enough insulin, blood sugar in your body is no longer able to function properly, resulting in a build-up of blood sugar in the bloodstream.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Similarly to Type 1, Type 2 diabetes is also related to the production and usage of insulin. Essentially, the body is unable to use the insulin that the pancreas is producing effectively. To make up for this, the pancreas begins to create more insulin, but this is not sustainable.

Diabetes risk factors

Risk factors for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ. Some of the known risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include:

  • Family history and genetics
  • Age (onset is more likely in childhood and adolescence)
  • Certain environmental factors (such as climate and geography)

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Being overweight
  • Lifestyle choices (such as inactivity)
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history
  • Age (risk of onset increases as you get older)

We offer screening services for individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes, including blood and urine tests.

Diabetes treatment

Treatment for diabetes will vary depending on whether a patient has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and the severity of presenting complications.

Diabetes management is the primary mode of treatment, as there is no cure for diabetes. Often, diabetes can be managed through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Other diabetes management methods may include:

  • Regularly monitoring your blood sugar
  • Regulating insulin
  • Taking certain medications—as prescribed by your doctor

In addition to our diabetes care, we also offer endocrinology services for patients in need of more specialized care. Additionally, if one of our diabetic patients is experiencing chronic, non-healing wounds as a side effect, we offer advanced wound care solutions.