Diabetes: Is a disease in which blood glucose/blood sugar levels are too high. Glucose comes from food that we eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into the cells in order to give them energy. With type 1, the body does not make insulin. With type 2 the body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin glucose stays in the blood. A person can also have pre-diabetes. This means that the blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough. Having pre-diabetes puts one at a higher risk of getting type 2.

Having too much glucose in the blood can cause serious problems. It can damage the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It can also cause heart disease, stroke and even appendage removal. Pregnant women are also at risk. This is gestational diabetes.

Blood tests can show if someone has this disease. One type of test, the A1C, can check on how someone is managing their diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to a healthy meal plan is the best way to control this disease. One should also monitor their blood glucose level and take medicine if prescribed. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900