Diabetes Doctor for Evaluation & Management
Expert Diagnosis and Management by Leading Diabetes Doctor in Chicago and Hoffman Estates, Illinois
About 39% of people who suffer from diabetes have problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or even vision impairment. At Healwell Primary Care clinic in Chicago and Hoffman Estates, IL, the team of diabetes doctor and specialists diagnose and manage your blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of complications and enhance your life quality. Contact us or make an appointment online now to get your complete diagnosis of diabetes.
Trust in Healwell Primary Care
If you’re ready to take the next step toward better health, locate your nearest Healwell Primary Care and schedule an appointment with our diabetes doctor today.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition which damages wall of blood vessels. The condition is caused by glucose (sugar) builds up in your blood. In general, the pancreas creates a hormone, insulin that lets cells use glucose as energy. If your pancreas does not produce insulin or produces enough glucose, it can cause blood vessels to weaken.
A thorough diagnosis is crucial for establishing the right treatment plan for diabetes management. Your results will also reveal the type of diabetes you have:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in a complete lack of insulin, meaning glucose cannot enter the cells to be used as energy. Because it typically develops in children and young adults, it’s often referred to as juvenile diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin therapy, as well as ongoing blood sugar monitoring to prevent complications.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is primarily associated with lifestyle factors, such as an unbalanced diet, excess weight, and physical inactivity. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the pancreas still produces insulin in type 2 diabetes, but the body becomes resistant to its effects. This means cells cannot effectively use insulin to absorb glucose, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication, are essential in managing type 2 diabetes and preventing further complications.
What is the process of Diagnosing diabetes?
The blood sugar tests are the most precise method for diagnosing diabetes. These tests measure the amount of glucose in your blood and help determine if your levels are within a normal range.
After reviewing your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination, our diabetes doctor near you will recommend the most appropriate tests, which may include the below mentioned tests. In some cases, repeat testing may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Early detection is essential for effective management and to prevent potential complications.
Diabetes Screening At Healwell Primary Care
Glucose Tolerance Test
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) analyzes your blood sugar levels prior to and after you consume a beverage that contains glucose. It is necessary to fast prior to the test and then undergo it to determine your blood sugar levels. After you drink the beverage, the team will check your blood sugar each hour for 3 hours. If your sugar levels are 200 mg/dL or more then you could be suffering from diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar test
A blood sugar test for fasting examines the blood sugar levels when you fast or refrain from eating food for the night. An erroneous blood sugar level that is 126 mg/dL and above can be a sign of diabetes.
The team could also conduct additional tests to investigate signs of diabetes, including nerve tingling or weakness in feet or legs as well as increased thirst or frequent urinary frequency.
How do You manage Diabetes?
Diabetes management is a partnership between you and the doctors at Healwell Primary Care. Once you have been diagnosed with diabetes the physicias at our Chicago & Hoffman Estates clinic may suggest these:
- Checking your blood sugar is essential.
- Changing your diet is crucial for managing diabetes.
- Regularly exercising is another key aspect.
- Utilizing insulin is common for many individuals.
- Practicing foot care helps prevent complications.
- Supplements can also be beneficial.
Your diabetes management plan could alter if your symptoms decrease or worsen. Regular check-ins with your diabetes team are essential to avoid complications.
Contact Healwell Primary Care today or book an appointment online with our diabetes doctor in Chicago or Hoffman Estates, IL.
FAQs About Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) in the human body. Glucose, the body’s main source of energy, plays a vital role in bodily functioning. Diabetes occurs when the human body can’t regulate blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. Diabetes testing is required when certain symptoms are noticed. These include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, foot swelling, and heart-related complications.
How is diabetes treated?
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition and Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. There are a few common treatments suggested by diabetes doctors in Chicago for better diabetes management for both conditions.
- Lifestyle changes
- Weight management
- Healthy eating habits
- Medications
- Insulin Therapy
- Pump Therapy
What are the complications of diabetes?
If not treated soon, diabetes can lead to many serious complications. These include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, foot damage, hearing issues, eye problems, and Alzheimer’s.
Are there any support groups for diabetes patients?
Connect with Healwell Primary Care clinic and get full support from our diabetes specialists. We aim to provide emotional support and practical advice for people with diabetes and their loved ones.
