Best Primary Care Doctor in Stone Oak, Live Oak, San Antonio Texas
Diabetes Evaluation And Management Services
Diabetes Evaluation & Management Services Offered In Live Oak, Stone Oak And Southside, San Antonio, Schertz And New Braunfels, Tx
Diabetes Management Tips: Your Guide to Effective Evaluation
Nearly 39% of individuals with diabetes experience complications such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or vision impairment. With locations in the Stone Oak, Southside, and North Star neighborhoods of San Antonio and in Castle Hills, New Braunfels, Schertz, and Live Oak, Texas, Derin Patel, MD, and the team at Hillside Primary Care evaluate and manage diabetes to minimize your risk of complications and improve your quality of life. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that damages your blood vessel walls. The condition develops when glucose (sugar) accumulates in the blood. Usually, your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which allows cells to use glucose for energy. If your pancreas doesn’t make insulin or creates too little, glucose can weaken your blood vessels. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to create the appropriate treatment plan. Your results also determine the type of diabetes you have:
Type 1 : Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your pancreas does not produce insulin.
Type 2 : Type 2 diabetes is usually the result of lifestyle choices, like poor diet and inactivity.
How Is Diabetes Evaluated?
Blood tests are the only accurate method for diagnosing diabetes. After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, the Hillside Primary Care team can recommend the appropriate testing.
The most common tests for diabetes are:
Glucose tolerance test
This test evaluates your blood sugar levels before and after consuming a beverage with glucose. You must fast before the test and undergo blood testing to determine your fasting blood sugar level. After drinking your beverage, the team checks your blood sugar every hour for three hours. If your blood sugar measures 200 mg/dL or higher, you may have diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar test
A fasting blood sugar test evaluates your blood sugar levels after fasting, or abstaining from food, overnight. A blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL or higher can indicate diabetes.
The team may also perform additional testing to investigate diabetes symptoms, such as tingling and weakness in the legs or feet, increased thirst, or frequent urination.
How Do I Manage Diabetes?
Managing diabetes is a partnership between you and the team at Hillside Primary Care. After diagnosing your condition, your provider may recommend the following:
- Monitoring your blood sugar
- Changing your diet
- Exercising more frequently
- Taking insulin
- Practicing foot care
- Taking supplements
Your diabetes management plan may change if your symptoms subside or progress. Frequent check-ins with the team are essential to prevent complications.