About 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes. There’s no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes, routine checkups, and prescription medication. At Serenity Healthcare, PLLC, family care provider Shanekwah Melville, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, has years of experience diagnosing and treating diabetes. To make an appointment, call the office in Houston, Texas, or book online today.

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases that cause your blood sugar to spike. Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive, but if your levels remain high for too long, it increases the risk of more serious medical issues.

There’s no way to prevent diabetes, but you can reduce your risk by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Extreme hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Blurred vision

As the disease worsens, you might also experience slow-healing wounds or sores on your legs and feet.

What are the types of diabetes?

At Serenity Healthcare, PLLC, Shanekwah treats several types of diabetes, including:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. Insulin therapy is the only way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes causes insulin resistance. This means the cells in your pancreas produce insulin, but your body doesn’t use it correctly. As a result, sugar builds up in your blood, increasing your risk of nerve damage and heart disease.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. The condition usually resolves after giving birth, but it increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes later on.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Shanekwah diagnoses diabetes during an in-office consultation.

First, she reviews your medical records and asks a series of questions, including if anyone in your family has diabetes, what types of food you eat, and about your lifestyle habits.

Next, Shanekwah conducts a physical exam. She also orders lab work, including a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar over the last few months. If you receive two tests with a reading of 6.7% or higher, it means you have diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?

Treatment of diabetes depends on several factors. Usually, Shanekwah recommends eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and checking your blood sugar daily.

It’s also important to take your prescription medication. Depending on your needs, Shanekwah might prescribe:

  • Insulin
  • Medications to stimulate your pancreas
  • Medications that inhibit the production of glucose
  • Drugs that block the action of enzymes that break down carbs in your stomach
  • Medications that prevent your kidneys from reabsorbing sugar into the blood

Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.

To explore the treatment options for diabetes, make an appointment at Serenity Healthcare, PLLC by calling the office or booking online today.