Diabetes

Medical Clinic located in Denver and Aurora, CO

Diabetes

Diabetes services offered in Denver and Aurora, CO

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be severe and potentially deadly diseases if not properly managed. Fortunately, patients today can take control of their diabetes with the help of lifestyle changes and medication. The expert medical team at Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice (CAHEP) in Denver, Colorado, helps patients live healthier lives with tightly controlled diabetes plans. Make sure your diabetes is under control by calling or scheduling your appointment online.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common kind of diabetes. 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases are type 2. This kind of diabetes is sometimes referred to as adult-onset diabetes, although it occasionally occurs in children. Type 2 diabetes is almost always preventable.

Treatment for type 2 diabetes depends on the individual and the prevalence of the illness. If type 2 diabetes is discovered early, there may be a good chance of controlling symptoms through smart lifestyle choices and a healthy diet. However, some people living with type 2 diabetes need to take oral medication to control their symptoms. For those individuals, monitoring their blood sugar is necessary to check the effectiveness of the medication.

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes was once known as juvenile-onset diabetes, though now it is known as insulin-dependent diabetes. This kind of diabetes is usually diagnosed very early in life. Though Type 1 diabetes isn't preventable, it can be managed and controlled with the right treatment.

Type 1 diabetes is managed with either insulin injections or with the use of an insulin pump. It's also important that people with type 1 diabetes regularly check their blood sugar and that they eat a healthy diet.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

There are currently more than seven million patients living with undiagnosed diabetes. Sometimes the symptoms aren't obvious, at least in the early stages. You should have annual wellness visits with CAHEP so the expert team can monitor your health for signs of diabetes and other illnesses. 

Make an appointment at CAHEP if you notice any of these symptoms, which could signal that you've developed diabetes:

  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Slow-healing wounds
  • Numbness in the feet or legs
  • Pain or tingling in the feet or legs

Increased hunger, urination, and thirst are also symptoms that may be a sign of diabetes.

Who is at risk for type 2 diabetes?

Individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes come from various backgrounds and family histories. Medical professionals are still studying the impact and onset of the disease, though the agreement is that there are several type 2 diabetes risk factors to be aware of. These risk factors include: 

  • Excess weight
  • Age over 45
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history of type 2 diabetes

While these risk factors are important, some racial and ethnic groups have much higher rates of type 2 diabetes than others, and the cause goes beyond age, weight, and exercise. 

If you're experiencing diabetic symptoms or have risk factors for diabetes, it's important that you make an appointment with Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice as soon as possible. Use the online appointment tool or call the office anytime for help.