Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). There are three main types:

• Type 1 Diabetes – The body does not produce enough insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
• Type 2 Diabetes – The body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
• Gestational Diabetes – A temporary condition that develops during pregnancy and increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Without proper management, all forms of diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including nerve damage, heart disease, kidney issues, and vision loss.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes symptoms may develop gradually, and some individuals may not notice any signs in the early stages. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Irritability & mood changes
• Blurry vision
• Chronic fatigue
• Slow-healing wounds & frequent infections

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage, heart disease, kidney disease, foot ulcers, vision loss, and an increased risk of dementia.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:

• Physical inactivity & sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity or excess weight
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure & high cholesterol
• History of gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women

Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular exercise, and adopting a balanced diet can significantly lower your risk of developing diabetes.

How We Diagnose Diabetes

At Joel Wellness Clinic, your provider will:

• Review your medical history & symptoms
• Conduct a physical examination
• Perform a simple blood test to measure blood sugar levels

Depending on your condition, additional tests such as heart function screening, vision assessments, or kidney function tests may be recommended to monitor for potential complications.

Our team is also experienced in utilizing the latest non-insulin injectable medications, including:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide) to improve blood sugar control and support weight loss
• SGLT2 inhibitors (dapagliflozin) to enhance glucose regulation and reduce cardiovascular risk