Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes your blood sugar levels, also referred to as blood glucose, to be higher than normal. The sugar in your blood, which comes from the food you eat, supplies your cells with energy. Insulin is a hormone produced in your pancreas that assists in getting your sugar from the blood into your cells.

People with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin, which is referred to as Type 1 diabetes, or the insulin they do make doesn’t work as it should, referred to as Type 2 diabetes. Too much sugar in your blood can lead to more serious health issues and increase your risk of heart disease, or damage your nerves, eyes, or kidneys.

The team at Boca General & Family Medicine specializes in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and can help you get your blood sugar levels within normal range to improve your health.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Dr. Rowland and his team can determine if you have diabetes after an examination, review of your symptoms, and specific blood tests.

Common blood tests used to diagnose diabetes include:

  • Glycated hemoglobin test
  • Fasting blood sugar
  • Random blood sugar

One elevated test may not necessarily mean you have diabetes. In fact, going to see Dr. Rowland every year for your annual wellness exam can help you stay on top of your health. He can identify risk factors for diabetes that may help you make the necessary changes to prevent the onset of the chronic condition.

How is diabetes managed?

The team at Boca General & Family Medicine helps you manage your diabetes through nutrition education. What you eat can have a significant impact on your blood sugar. Your specialist at Boca General & Family Medicine teaches you how to create meals that help keep your blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.

Not everyone with diabetes requires insulin injections. But if you need insulin to manage your blood sugars, the team at Boca General & Family Medicine offers one-on-one training to teach you how to administer your insulin and monitor your blood sugars.

Diabetes is a manageable illness that you can control when you have the right tools. Call Boca General & Family Medicine today or request an appointment online so you can get the help you need to keep your diabetes under control.