Diabetes

If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, see the experts at PrimaryWerx, a telehealth primary and urgent care practice based in Saint Johns, Florida. Experienced physician assistant Jennifer Matthews, PA-C, offers virtual diabetes management to reduce your risk of complications. Schedule a telehealth evaluation by phone or online today. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects more than 11% of the United States population. It appears when your body can’t properly regulate the amount of sugar in your bloodstream (blood sugar) due to insufficient insulin production or the inability to use insulin effectively. 

When not managed properly, diabetes can contribute to severe health problems.

PrimaryWerx offers an initial diabetes consultation and follow-up visits virtually from the comfort of your home or office.

What are the different types of diabetes?

Common forms of diabetes include:

Type 1 diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes are typically diagnosed during childhood. Their bodies don’t make enough insulin, a hormone responsible for moving sugar from the blood into other body tissues. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed in people who are 40 or older, who typically carry excess body weight. It appears when the body no longer properly utilizes insulin.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a reversible condition that appears when your blood sugar is high but not high enough to be diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes appears in some women during their pregnancies. This form of diabetes may disappear after delivery. 

Which symptoms can diabetes cause?

Diabetes can cause the following symptoms:

• Increased thirst
• Urinating more often than usual 
• Unintentional weight loss
• Blurry vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Irritability
• Frequent infections

See your provider at the first sign of diabetes, or get screened if you’re at risk of developing diabetes. 

Diabetes risk factors include a family history of diabetes, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and excess weight.

How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?

A blood test and review of your symptoms and medical history allows your provider to diagnose diabetes. 

Properly managing diabetes includes routine blood sugar monitoring, making lifestyle changes (such as weight loss and diet changes), taking oral diabetes medications, using an insulin pump, or receiving insulin injections. 

Jennifer performs an initial diabetes evaluation and follows up as needed to ensure you’re properly managing your condition. Call her office any time with questions about your treatment plan or if you develop new symptoms. 

Schedule a virtual diabetes evaluation at PrimaryWerx by phone or online today.