Diabetes

As many as 30 million American adults have diabetes, although not all of them have been formally diagnosed. If you have diabetes or are experiencing symptoms (like extreme hunger and frequent urination), Shawn Hamilton, MD, and the team at Spruce Medical Group in Irvine, California, can help. Book your diabetes evaluation online today, or call the clinic directly to speak with a team member.

Why should I be concerned about diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is an umbrella term for several types of disorders that impact how your body processes glucose (blood sugar). Every cell in your body needs glucose for energy, especially your brain cells.

Your pancreas releases the hormone insulin to help with glucose absorption so cells have the fuel they need to function. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce insulin (Type 1 diabetes), or your body becomes resistant to any insulin you do produce (Type 2 diabetes). 

In any case, diabetes leads to a surge in blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications from head to toe, including:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Decreased blood flow
• Diabetic foot ulcers 
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Vision loss
• Stroke 

With proper diabetes management, regular blood sugar checks throughout the day, and a healthful diet, you can live a healthy life and lower your risk of these serious conditions.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, depending on how high your blood sugar gets. Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, when your blood sugar level is high, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Extreme thirst
• Blurred vision 
• Frequent urination
• Ravenous appetite
• Fatigue and irritability
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

If any of these symptoms sound familiar or if you’re having difficulty managing your blood sugar, schedule an evaluation at Spruce Medical Group as soon as possible.

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes is entirely manageable through medications and lifestyle changes. Your dedicated internist at Spruce Medical Group counsels you about your condition and helps you learn to keep your diabetes under control. Treating diabetes often includes a combination of the following:

• Regular physical activity
• Prescription diabetes medications
• Insulin injections or an insulin pump
• Weight loss management (if needed)
• Nutrition counseling and meal planning
• Frequent blood sugar testing throughout the day

Managing diabetes can be overwhelming, but with the help of the compassionate team at Spruce Medical Group, you won’t be alone throughout your journey. 

If you have diabetes, you can receive personalized diabetes management services at Spruce Medical Group. Find out more by booking an exam online or over the phone today.