How Do You Know If Your Diabetes is Under Control?
We work with hundreds of patients every year to help them keep their diabetes under control. Doing so greatly reduces the risk of developing more serious health conditions.
But how do you know if your diabetes is under control?
The most obvious and simple way to know if your diabetes is under control is to monitor it regularly. But how often should you check it? And is there a special diabetes diet you should follow?
We’ll examine these questions as well as tell you the difference between what causes Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes and how our internal medicine doctors in Cary can help.
Signs That Your Diabetes is Under Control
Your Blood Sugar Is Within Your Goal Range
It’s important to check your sugar regularly to ensure that it is under control. How often and when depends upon how much insulin you are taking. Cary Medical Group will tailor a plan to fit your individual needs.
However, in general, we recommend testing before meals and at bedtime. If you use a long-acting insulin, you may only need to test twice a day.
Your A1C is Within Your Goal Range
Your A1C measures your blood sugar level over several months. It’s a great indicator of how well you’re doing in the long-term.
For those with Type 2 diabetes, your doctor will work with you to set a goal.
You’re Following Your Doctor’s Care Plan
As internal medicine specialists, we realize that diabetes affects different people in different ways. Therefore, there is no “one-size-fits-all” plan of care. We’ll take a closer look at all aspects of your illness to determine the best plan of care for you.
By following your treatment plan and communicating with our doctors regularly, you can help ensure that your diabetes will be well-controlled. If, for some reason your diabetes is not well-controlled, we can devise a strategy to help you.
What Causes Diabetes?
As with many health conditions, there is no one simple answer for the underlying cause of diabetes. Rather, there are several factors of influence that can determine your chances of developing diabetes. There are also different causes for Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes.
Some of the causes of Type 1 diabetes include:
Problems With Your Immune System
In Type 1 diabetes, your immune system destroys the insulin-producing pancreatic cells.
Viruses
According to the Mayo Clinic, while research is still ongoing, certain viruses may be contributing factors to the disease.
Genes
Researchers believe there is a genetic component to Type 1 diabetes.
Some of the causes of Type 2 diabetes include:
Lifestyle Factors
Those who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Lack of Physical Activity
If you’re not getting regular exercise, you increase your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
Being overweight or obese can contribute to insulin resistance. In this condition, the liver and fat cells are not able to process insulin properly. Therefore, your body must produce more insulin. Eventually, the pancreas can’t make enough to meet your body’s demand. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise.
Genetics
Type 2 diabetes does tend to run in families. Also, certain racial or ethnic groups appear to be more susceptible to the disease. This includes African Americans and Asian Americans.
Is There a Diabetic Diet?
A healthy eating plan is important to help you manage your diabetes or, if you are prediabetic, prevent you from developing it.
This involves:
- Finding delicious alternatives to foods high in sugar
- Eating smaller portions throughout the day
- Watching your carbohydrates
- Eating whole-grain foods
- Eating a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables
- Finding tasty alternatives to high-fat foods
- Using spices as alternatives to salt
- Limiting your alcohol intake
Not sure where to start with a diabetic diet?
Our dietitian, Nicole Matala, has some wonderful recipes and a comprehensive eating plan that will enable you to get on the right track without sacrificing flavor. Simply contact us to get started.
Cary Medical Group Helps You Manage Type 2 Diabetes
As internal medicine physicians, we’re specialists in treating all types of chronic diseases, from diabetes to high cholesterol to high blood pressure. By taking a proactive role in your health, you’re reducing your risk of heart disease and strokes.
We invite you to see why we have been a part of the Cary community for more than 25 years.
Scheduling an appointment is easy and convenient.
For more than 25 years, Cary Medical Group has served as the Cary area’s premier internal medicine provider. We tailor our treatments to provide the finest personalized health care available for each stage of your adult life. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
