Diabetes

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Khanh Thai, DO, and Paul Moya, DO, at United Family Physicians in Glendora, California, have expertise in diabetes treatment. They can help you take control of your health and prevent complications. Call today or book an appointment online to get started on a care plan that works for you.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that impacts how your body processes food and converts it into energy. When you eat, your body breaks down most of the food into glucose (sugar), which enters your bloodstream. Your pancreas then produces insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose into your cells for energy. 

With diabetes, either your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Why is diabetes a health concern?

Diabetes is a major health concern because it can lead to serious complications if not properly managed. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves, eyes, and blood vessels, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and limb amputation. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making it hard to fight off infections.

In addition to its physical effects, diabetes can impact your mental health and quality of life. It’s a chronic condition that requires daily management, early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and lifestyle changes.

You can rely on the United Family Physicians team to provide expert care that prevents long-term complications and improves overall health outcomes.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, each with its own cause and treatment approach:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where your body stops producing insulin. It’s most often diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 is the most common form, typically developing in adults but increasingly seen in younger people due to rising obesity rates.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, but it raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes occurs when your blood sugar levels are higher than average but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without lifestyle changes, prediabetes can progress to full diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?

At United Family Physicians, diabetes treatment focuses on managing your blood sugar levels to prevent complications, which may include:

• Healthy eating and regular physical activity
• Monitoring blood sugar levels at home
• Taking insulin or other medications as prescribed
• Managing stress and getting regular checkups

Schedule a diabetes screening with the United Family Physicians healthcare team by calling or booking online today.