What if you could take control of Diabetes? Yes, with medications, it is possible. But here, we are talking about having the right support, someone who truly understands your journey. Your family doctor is here to help. Your family doctor can play an important role in making your Diabetes less overwhelming and more manageable. Let's see how your doctor supports your journey to better diabetes care at home.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects how your body turns food into energy.
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. When your body doesn't produce enough insulin, Type 1 diabetes occurs. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your cells become resistant to insulin and can't use it effectively. Diabetes can be controlled through a combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and regular monitoring.
Over time, uncontrolled Diabetes can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision loss, and more.
Recognizing the symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment. Common signs include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme fatigue
Unexplained weight loss (especially in Type 1)
Blurred vision
Slow-healing wounds
Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Increased hunger
What to do when Diabetes strikes? When you notice diabetes symptoms, it's important to see your first point of contact, your family doctor.
Your family doctor can perform basic diagnostic tests like fasting blood glucose, A1C, or an oral glucose tolerance test to determine if you have Diabetes or prediabetes. Once diagnosed, they guide you through understanding your condition and what steps you need to take.
Your family doctor helps you create an individualized treatment plan. It includes lifestyle changes such as a diabetes diet, medications like metformin or insulin, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Diabetes management is a lifelong journey. Your family doctor plays a critical role in ongoing monitoring to help you avoid complications. Through regular check-ups, they monitor:
Blood glucose levels
Blood pressure
Kidney function (via urine and blood tests)
Cholesterol levels
Foot health
Eye health (through referrals to specialists)
Coordinated and Personalized Care
Your family doctors refer you to specialists like endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, or dietitians when needed, and ensure that care is cohesive. They also personalize your treatment based on your age, medical history, daily routine, and any coexisting conditions.
Don't worry if you're adjusting medications, managing stress, or navigating other health challenges; your doctor will keep everything aligned.
Managing Diabetes at home involves more than just medications. It requires meaningful lifestyle changes. Your family doctor provides you with the right emotional support, offering guidance on:
Nutrition and portion control
Exercise routines appropriate for your condition
Weight management
Smoking cessation
Managing stress and mental health
Living with Diabetes can be overwhelming. But your family doctor can offer you encouragement, motivation, and realistic advice for long-term success.
Diabetes is a complex but manageable condition. With the help of your family doctor, you can take control of your health within your home environment. At Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, you can expect the same care as from a family doctor. Our expert endocrinologists and diabetologists offer you compassionate care that empowers you to live a healthier, fuller life. We offer personalized care at our dedicated Endocrinology department. Our advanced diagnostics tools and monitoring systems help us make accurate decisions, ensuring long-term positive outcomes.
Your journey to better health begins here. Join us on a mission to take control of your Diabetes!