Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's production of glucose and insulin levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. Type 2, gestational and prediabetes are all a result of an excess amount of sugar in the blood (high glucose levels).
Diabetes specialists in San Antonio
While diabetes can't be cured, it can be controlled, and we can help you manage it, while educating you how to reclaim control of your life.
Millions of Americans have received a diabetes diagnosis, and at Methodist Healthcare, we want to be be there for you, providing continued care both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. In addition to diabetes care, we also offer endocrinology services for if you are diabetic and experiencing chronic, nonhealing wounds as a side effect.
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 you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as the severity of presenting complications. As there is no cure for diabetes, management is the primary mode of treatment, often through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet and regularly exercising. Other diabetes management methods may include:
- Regularly monitoring your blood sugar
- Regulating insulin
- Taking certain medications, as prescribed by your doctor
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