What is diabetes? Find out what are the systems are, what medical test are done, and how to care of yourself if you are diagnosed with diabetes. For further information and treatment options for diabetes visit http://www.parrishmed.com/health-education/health-education-resources/diabetes/default.aspx. To read more articles pertaining to diabetes check out http://www.parrishmed.com/health-education/health-education-resources/diabetes/default.aspx.

1. Q & A: Me, Have Diabetes?
Manage the disease by eating a healthy diet,
maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring your
blood sugar levels

2. Q: What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition that results in high blood
sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes. The most
common, type 2 diabetes, is mostly found in adults but is
being seen more in children as childhood obesity
increases. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children
but can be seen in adults. The disease can also appear in
pregnant women as gestational diabetes.

3. Q: What are the symptoms?
Symptoms associated with diabetes depend on how high
your blood sugar level is and how fast your sugar level
rises. Thirst, hunger, frequent urination, tiredness,
blurred vision and weight loss are some of the most
common symptoms.

4. Q: What medical tests are done
to check for diabetes?
Fasting blood sugar, random sugar, HbA1c and glucose
tolerance tests are done to diagnose diabetes.

5. Q: What if I am diagnosed with
diabetes?
One of the most important things you can do for yourself
is to change your lifestyle. You need to follow a healthy
diabetes diet, exercise and lose weight if you are
overweight. You will also need to check your blood sugar
regularly, and your doctor may prescribe pills, injectable
medications or insulin to control your blood sugar.

6. Q: What happens if I don't take
care of myself?
To decrease the risk of developing complications, you'll
need to regulate your blood sugar. Short-term
complications from very high blood sugar
(hyperglycemia) include infections and diabetic coma.
Abnormally low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if
you are on insulin or oral medications. Long-term
complications include damage to the eyes that can lead to
blindness, kidney failure that can lead to dialysis, and
nerve damage that can lead to amputation of limbs.
Other complications include heart attack and stroke. So
please, take control of your diabetes.

7. Q: How can I learn to live with
my diabetes?
Your primary care physician can refer you to an
endocrinologist, who specializes in treating diabetes. You
should also enroll in a diabetes self-management
program. You'll find information about Parrish Medical
Center's Diabetes Education Program, which is
recognized by the American Diabetes Association.
If you are interested, ask your doctor for a Diabetes
Education Program referral, call the office at 321-268-
6699, and check the website at parrishmed.com/diabetes.