Diabetes Specialist
-
- Tweet
Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD
Internal Medicine located in Houston, TX
It’s estimated that 29 million Americans are living with diabetes, but 1 in 4 of them don’t know it. If you’re concerned about your risk of diabetes, the team at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD in Houston, Texas, can help. Internal medicine physician Dr. Johnson-Caldwell regularly diagnoses and treats patients living with diabetes. Call or use the online booking tool to make your appointment today. Telemedicine appointments are available.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s glucose, or blood sugar levels. Glucose is your primary source of energy and comes from the foods you eat. Your pancreas makes insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin effectively, or your body has trouble using it.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Diabetes is an umbrella term used to describe three different diseases.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack the beta cells in your pancreas responsible for making insulin. Type 1 diabetes is most commonly develops in childhood and requires daily insulin injections to properly regulate your blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is different in that your pancreas makes insulin, but your body doesn’t use it properly. Over time, type 2 diabetes causes insulin production to decrease, which continues to raise your blood sugar.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy and develops as a result of insulin-blocking hormones. In most cases, gestational diabetes clears up after a woman gives birth.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Some of the most common symptoms associated with diabetes include:
- Extreme thirst or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Wounds that heal slowly
As diabetes progresses untreated, it can also cause permanent nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy. Common symptoms associated with neuropathy include tingling, burning, or pins and needles sensations in the legs, hands, and feet.
How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?
Your provider diagnoses diabetes through a comprehensive physical exam, including blood tests. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your provider works with you to formulate a treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs.
Typically, this includes a combination of lifestyle adjustments like exercising regularly, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, and prescription medication. If you’re diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you’ll probably need insulin therapy as well.
The team can also provide you with healthy living tips and insights that prevent diabetes-related complications and improve your overall quality of life.
To access comprehensive diabetes care, call the office or use the online booking tool to make an appointment at Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Caldwell MD today.