Diabetes, a malfunction of the endocrine system, requires long-term treatment to protect against significant health complications. The medical team at Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC strives to help you take charge of this life-changing condition, and give you all the tools you need for effective diabetes management. For a customized care plan, call or book your appointment with their office in Plant City, Florida, today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is made up of glands, cells, and hormones, and is responsible for the hormonal balance of the body. Hormones are responsible for the proper functioning of many systems of the body, and are an integral part of your overall health and wellness.
Functions that are dependent on the hormonal balance provided by the endocrine system:
- Respiration
- Circulation
- Sexual development
- Reproduction
- Metabolism
- Elimination of urine and stools
- Growth
- Movement
Metabolism, or the use of energy in the body, is one of the more important endocrine functions for the overall health of the body.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition caused by a improper functioning of the pancreas, which is a gland of the endocrine system. The pancreas normally produces and secretes a hormone called insulin, which is responsible for the distribution of glucose into the body’s cells. This is an important part of the body’s metabolic process.
Glucose is a source of energy for every process of the body, and every system is dependent on it for proper functioning. Without adequate production of insulin, glucose can’t enter cells to be used as energy; instead, it builds up in the bloodstream. The level of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar, rises to unhealthy levels. A sustained elevated blood sugar is damaging to the cells, tissues, and systems of the body.
With type 1 diabetes, the production of insulin is insignificant or nonexistent. With type 2 diabetes, insulin is limited but is still produced.
Management of this condition is dependent on the type of diabetes you may have, and may include injection of synthetic insulin, dietary restrictions, oral medications, and treatment of long-term complications.
What are the long-term complications of diabetes?
With uncontrolled diabetes, tissues throughout the body, nerve conduction, immune response, and circulation can all be damaged.
This can cause many long-term complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Skin breakdown
- Frequent infections
- Delayed healing
- Neuropathy
- Vision loss
- Dementia
- Kidney failure
Proper preventive care is essential to protect against long-term complications. Family Medical Specialists of Florida, PLC offer services such as neuropathy testing, retinal eye exams, 24-hour glucose checks, and individualized care plans to help you with the long-term management of this complex disorder.
For your diabetic screening and plan of care, call or book an appointment online.