Diabetes

People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease compared with adults who don’t have diabetes. But you can dramatically lower your risk by controlling your blood sugar with comprehensive diabetes support from the experienced team at WellCare. The practice is based in Overland Park, Kansas, and provides diabetes care to adults located anywhere in the state through telehealth services. Call the WellCare office today or use online booking to request a diabetes management appointment.

Why do I have diabetes?

Diabetes develops when your blood sugar levels rise above the healthy range, and its cause depends on the type of diabetes you have:

Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that begins when your immune system attacks the pancreas. The damaged pancreas stops producing insulin, which leads to high blood sugar because insulin is responsible for clearing excess sugar out of your bloodstream. 

Type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and teens but can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes
This type of diabetes develops when cells stop responding to insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. 

Insulin normally escorts excess blood sugar into cells that need it for energy, but that process can’t happen if the cells don’t interact with insulin. Your pancreas keeps releasing insulin, so blood sugar grows too high.

Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people ages 45 and older, but it’s increasingly found in teens and young adults.

How will I know I have diabetes?

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cause the following symptoms:

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Dry, itchy skin
• Blurry vision
• Fatigue

You may also have pain, tingling, or numbness in your toes and feet.

Does diabetes pose a danger to my health?

High blood sugar damages small blood vessels and nerves, resulting in the following health complications:

• Heart disease
• Non-healing foot ulcers
• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Peripheral artery disease
• Peripheral nerve damage

 Uncontrolled diabetes significantly raises your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Can I stay healthy even though I have diabetes?

You can stay healthy by keeping your blood sugar in the normal range. Your WellCare provider offers the information, treatment, and support you need to manage diabetes, including:

• Diabetes education
• Nutritional counseling
• Carbohydrate management
• Exercise recommendations
• Weight loss management
• Medication management
• Continuous glucose monitoring
• Insulin pumps

Everyone with diabetes needs to manage their diet, monitor their total carbohydrate consumption, and learn which carbs are safe and healthy. Getting regular exercise and losing weight also lower blood sugar.

People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may be able to control your blood sugar with diet and exercise. If not, your provider prescribes medications.

Don’t wait to schedule a telehealth appointment if you have symptoms of diabetes. Call WellCare or request an appointment online today.