Reytor Medical Center:
Francisco A Reytor, MD PA
General Medical Practice & Emergency Medicine located in Coral Gables, FL
Diabetes is a serious metabolic condition that requires regular medical management to prevent complications and live a high quality of life. Francisco A. Reytor, MD, provides comprehensive diabetes evaluation, treatment, and long-term care for people in Coral Gables, Florida, and the surrounding communities. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to meet with Dr. Reytor and have your diabetes managed with his expert care.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is actually a collection of diseases where the body can’t produce insulin or doesn’t properly use the insulin it does produce.
Insulin is a hormone that transfers sugar (glucose) from your bloodstream to your cells, where it’s used for energy. If the glucose remains in your bloodstream and the concentration becomes too high, it can cause serious health consequences.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in youth. Your immune system goes haywire and attacks the cells that make insulin. As a result, your body doesn’t produce any insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin you do produce isn’t efficiently used. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in mid-or-late life but can occur at earlier ages due to poor diet, being overweight, or a sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes symptoms typically come on quickly and include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased thirst, hunger, and urination
- Low energy and fatigue
- Slow-healing sores
Type 2 diabetes has symptoms that are more subtle and develop gradually. You may not even notice you have the disease. Dr. Reytor offers regular blood sugar testing to check for Type 2 diabetes. These tests are especially important if you have a family history of the disease or a lifestyle that could promote its development.
What happens if diabetes is not well-managed?
Unmanaged diabetes causes serious health complications, including:
- Kidney disease
- Issues with circulation and wound healing that can lead to amputation
- Dental problems
- Nerve damage
- Eye problems
- People with diabetes are also at a greater risk of developing heart disease or stroke.
How is diabetes managed?
For patients with Type 1 diabetes, supplemental insulin through injections or a pump are required to keep your blood sugar in check. Regular appointments with Dr. Reytor ensures you’re getting the right amount to manage your blood sugar.
Dr. Reytor recommends lifestyle changes for people with Type 2 diabetes. Dietary modifications, weight loss (if you’re overweight) and exercise can all help elevate your body’s efficiency in producing and using insulin.
In some cases, injectable and oral medications are necessary to help manage Type 2 diabetes.
To learn about diabetes and management of the chronic condition, call the office of Francisco A. Reytor, MD, or book an appointment using this website.
