According to the CDC, diabetes was the cause of over 101,000 deaths in 2022.
Diabetes calls for constant attention to your health and well-being. Many people manage their condition with the proper diet, exercise, and medication. Still, there are times when symptoms worsen, and it’s vital to get professional help.
Are you wondering if a more specialized level of care is necessary? Keep reading for seven key signs that it may be time to visit a diabetes care center.
One of the most apparent signs that you need to visit a diabetes care center is when your blood sugar levels are too low or high despite your treatment plan. If you notice frequent readings outside the target range, it could indicate that your current management strategy isn’t effective anymore. It may be a sign of developing insulin resistance or changes in how your body processes glucose.
If you don’t get it under control, it could cause severe issues, including damage to your heart, kidneys, and nerves. At a diabetes care center, specialists can offer diabetes management tips tailored to your needs, such as the following:
A diabetes health checkup can help assess whether factors like stress, illness, or medication changes are affecting your control over your blood sugar. Acting early on is a good way to side-skirt complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Diabetic wounds, especially foot ulcers, are a common complication of diabetes. If you notice a cut, blister, or sore that doesn’t seem to heal, it could be time to visit a diabetes care center. Unmanaged diabetes can damage your blood vessels, leading to poor circulation.
Diabetic neuropathy can reduce sensation in the extremities, meaning you may not even realize you have a wound until it becomes infected.
Professional care for diabetic wounds can prevent infections and complications like amputation. A diabetes specialist can assess the severity of the wound, recommend treatments like specialized dressings, or suggest seeing a podiatrist to help manage foot health. Treating diabetic wounds right away is the best method for avoiding further health risks.
Diabetes can have a profound effect on your eyesight. If you experience any changes in your vision, such as blurry vision, floaters, or dark spots, it’s important to pay a visit to a diabetes care center immediately.These symptoms could indicate diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes.
In addition to diabetes management tips, professionals can help you stay on top of eye health.
If you’ve started to feel tingling, burning, or pain in your hands, feet, or legs, it could be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a nerve condition caused by uncontrolled blood sugar. This damage to the nerves can cause a wide range of symptoms, from numbness to severe pain, and can eventually lead to loss of sensation.
Nerve damage is a serious complication, and without proper care, it can lead to injuries you may not notice until they become infected. A diabetes care center can provide specialized treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Visiting a specialist who understands diabetic neuropathy can help you alleviate symptoms and even slow the progression of the condition.
Unexpected weight loss is another warning sign that something might be wrong with your diabetesmanagement. It can happen when your body isn’t getting enough glucose for energy. In such a situation, it starts breaking down muscle and fat for fuel.
If you’re losing weight without trying, it’s important to get a diabetes health checkup to rule out any serious issues, such as the onset of ketoacidosis. A diabetes care center can help you adjust your treatment plan and ensure your body is getting proper energy intake.
People with diabetes are more prone to infections. If you’ve noticed that you’re getting sick more often or are taking longer to recover from common illnesses, it may be time to go to a diabetes care center.
Frequent infections can signal that you need a new management plan. It’s true whether you get skin infections, urinary tract infections, or another type of infection.
Visiting a specialist will allow you to explore ways to boost and reinforce your immune system and improve your general health. Professionals can adjust and fine-tune your medications. You can also count on them to suggest strategic lifestyle changes to strengthen your body’s ability to fight off infections.
Diabetes management often involves a complex routine of medications, including insulin, oral medications, and sometimes additional treatments for related conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol. If you’re finding it hard to keep track of your medications, doses, or timing, it’s crucial to visit a diabetes care center.
Professionals at a diabetes care center can offer diabetes management tips and tools to help simplify your routine. You can depend on them to look over your current medications in detail to ensure that you’re taking the right dosages. When necessary, they’ll even explore other options if your treatment plan isn’t working as it should.
If you’re a Medicare beneficiary, it’s essential to understand the Medicare coverage options for diabetes management. Medicare can help cover the costs of visits to a diabetes care center, medications, and even supplies like insulin pumps and glucose monitors. Getting assistance from a specialist who understands Medicare’s diabetes benefits can make managing your condition more affordable.
If you’re worried about your condition, it’s always best to be safe and visit a diabetes care center.
Family Medicine Austin specializes in offering professional diabetes care. Our Texas team also offers lab testing, hormone replacement therapy, vitamin IV therapy, and more.
Do you have symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes? If so, don’t wait to book an appointment with Family Medicine Austin soon.
