Diabetic Care

Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin. This condition affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US - nearly 7 percent of the population. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the US and is a growing disease. If not treated properly, diabetes may lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, as well as permanent, eye, foot, skin and bone damage.
When we eat, our body breaks down most of our food into glucose, a sugar in our blood that is the main source of energy. The glucose from food travels into the bloodstream with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.Our body usually produces enough insulin to move the glucose into the bloodstream, but this process does not work properly in people with diabetes. The pancreas either produces little to no insulin, or the insulin is not utilized properly. This causes a buildup of glucose that then passes out through the urine and does not fuel the body.

Types of Diabetes

There are several different types of diabetes, each with its own set of causes, abnormalities and treatments. The two most common types of diabetes include:

• Type 1 Diabetes - This is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself, specifically the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The cause of this condition is unknown, but most likely to affect patients with a family history of the disease.
• Type 2 Diabetes - This form of the disease is affected by obesity and family history, and is more common in females. It involves a resistance to insulin, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream if not managed.

Treatment of Diabetes

Although diabetes can lead to serious complications and has no cure currently available, it can often be successfully managed through dedicated, lifelong treatment. There are several life changes that patients can make to help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. These may include eating healthy, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and reducing stress to help patients improve their health overall.
Depending on the type of diabetes, patients may need to take insulin each day to help maintain blood sugar levels. All patients with type 1 diabetes will need insulin on a daily basis, while only some with type 2 diabetes will need it as well. Insulin is injected into the body by the patient through a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen. It is essential that patients with diabetes watch what they eat and regularly monitor glucose levels in order to assess their need for insulin or oral medication.

Managing Diabetes with Torrance Family Care

At Torrance Family Care, we help patients develop personalized treatment plans to effectively manage diabetes, prevent complications and maintain their quality of life. Taking an active role in your treatment is one of the most effective and responsible roles a patient can take in their care. You should see your doctor on a regular basis, and also have your eyes, feet and heart checked frequently to detect any problems as soon as possible.
In addition to our regular treatments, we also provide ongoing support for all patients with diabetes to help them cope with their condition on a regular basis and to promote overall patient health and well-being. Despite its serious complications, it is still possible for patients with diabetes to live an active and happy life.