Could You Be Among the Millions of Americans Who Have Diabetes and Don't Know It?

If you aren’t careful, diabetes can sneak up on you without you knowing it. In fact, many people with elevated blood sugar don’t realize it until it progresses to diabetes and complications arise. The best way to lower your risk of developing diabetes is to attend routine checkups with your physician.

Primary care specialist Samuel I. Fink, MD, provides comprehensive care to help you maintain wellness and is your top choice for internal medicine in Tarzana, California. Dr. Fink is dedicated to helping patients and their families prevent chronic illnesses like Type 2 diabetes. 

A routine check of your average daily blood sugar over the previous three months (A1C) allows Dr. Fink to catch potential problems so you can take early action to prevent diabetes from developing. If he discovers that you have diabetes, Dr. Fink can develop a treatment plan to help you successfully manage the condition.

Why is healthy blood sugar important?

Your body uses glucose as its primary fuel source and works to keep the amount of sugar in your blood within a narrow range. Instead of leaving too much glucose in the blood, your body delivers the glucose to your cells for energy and storage. 

Problems occur when your pancreas fails to release enough of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin or when your cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. As a result, blood sugar rises and remains elevated. 

Too much blood sugar damages the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to your organs and tissues. Kidney disease, artery disease, heart issues, and eye problems are just a few serious health problems that can arise when blood sugar remains high over time. 

Understanding prediabetes

Before diabetes develops, blood sugar is often higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This is considered prediabetes, and it’s crucial to work closely with Dr. Fink to take steps to reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

An A1C below 5.7% is considered normal. Prediabetes is an A1C between 5.7% and 6.4%, while an A1C of 6.5% or above is considered diabetes. 

Early warning signs of diabetes

Diabetes warning signs are often subtle — you may not even know you have it. Here are a few things to look out for. 

Increased appetite

When glucose remains in your bloodstream and can’t get into your cells, you don’t have the energy you need, which can make you feel hungry and tired. An unexplained increase in appetite is a common symptom in people with prediabetes.

Frequent urination and increased thirst

It’s typical to urinate 4-7 times daily. However, when you have elevated blood sugar levels, your kidneys have an added burden, which causes your body to produce more urine. Frequent urination, which depletes your fluid reserves, and increased thirst often occur as a result. If you notice that you’re more thirsty than usual or you’re urinating more often, this could be a sign of high blood sugar. 

Dry mouth

High blood sugar increases fluid release, and this makes it more likely to become dehydrated. Diabetes commonly causes dry mouth as well as dry, itchy skin.  

Blurred vision

Changes in fluid levels in your body may cause the lenses in your eyes to swell. This can affect your vision, causing blurriness. 

Preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes

Is your blood sugar on the high side? If you don’t know, it’s time for a visit with your primary care physician. You have the power to change things. Early treatment and lifestyle changes can stop the progression, return blood sugar to normal and prevent Type 2 diabetes. 

We’re at your side along your health journey. If you’re concerned about your blood sugar, come in to see us. When you want the best internal medicine in Tarzana, give our office a call to schedule a visit with Dr. Fink. You can also request an appointment online today.