Diabetes Specialist

About 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and many people don’t realize the risk of having this condition on their long-term health. At Moore Healthcare Group, family medicine physician Patrick Moore, MD, offers diabetes screening and management in Lafayette, Lousiana. Dr. Moore can help prevent diabetes or improve your quality of life through patient education and comprehensive treatments. To learn more about diabetes, call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes glucose (blood sugar) levels to be higher than normal. When you have diabetes, it alters the way your body regulates the sugar in your blood. 

Over time, the excess sugar harms your body, including your blood vessels, nerves, and organs. 

Early detection of diabetes and enrolling in diabetes management can help to control blood sugar and prevent further complications, like cardiovascular disease and nerve damage. 

What are the different types of diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your body is unable to produce enough insulin — a hormone that helps the body properly make use of glucose (blood sugar). This type of diabetes often begins in childhood. 

Type 2 diabetes 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It develops when your body produces insulin but can no longer make use of the insulin properly. In many cases, Type 2 diabetes is a preventable or reversible condition. By eating a healthy, balanced diet and having regular excercise, you can help reduce your blood sugar levels. 

However, while lifestyle changes may be able to help some people with Type 2 diabetes, others may need insulin or medication to manage their condition. 

Prediabetes

When you have prediabetes, it means you have high blood sugar levels but they’re not high enough to be considered diabetes.  

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy, but it usually resolves after you give birth. However, in most cases, having this type of diabetes also increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes. 

 What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Increased thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing sores

If you experience any of the following symptoms, see Dr. Moore at Moore Healthcare Group for help managing your symptoms. 

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Dr. Moore lets you know if you have diabetes and which type you have after discussing your symptoms and medical history with you. He completes a comprehensive physical exam, checking for signs that might indicate diabetes, and uses a simple blood test to assess blood sugar levels.

How is diabetes treated?

At Moore Healthcare Group, you may need one or more treatments to manage your blood sugar. Treatments may include: 

• Dietary and lifestyle changes
• Exercise prescriptions
• Weight loss
• Medication
• Insulin pump or injections
• Routine blood sugar monitoring

To learn more about diabetes, call Moore Healthcare Group or book an appointment online today.