Prediabetes is more than just a warning. It can have real health consequences. It does, however, give you an opportunity to avoid a disease that can lead to debilitating nerve damage, organ failure, and vision loss.
At Southern Nevada Bariatrics in Las Vegas, our team is led by Mustafa Ahmed, MD, a board-certified bariatric surgeon and internist who also specializes in the diagnosis and management of diabetes. His interest is in helping you live the healthiest life possible through positive lifestyle changes and supportive medical care that helps prevent the consequences of conditions like diabetes.
Your body requires a certain amount of sugar (glucose) for normal cellular function, which it obtains from the carbohydrates in the foods and beverages you consume. Insulin, a hormone produced in your pancreas, helps your cells absorb and utilize glucose.
Diabetes develops when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to be effective or your cells don’t respond normally to the insulin in your bloodstream. This causes abnormally high blood sugar related to diabetes.
Health complications related to uncontrolled diabetes include:
There are several different types of diabetes. All are related to abnormal blood glucose levels, but the underlying cause of the malfunction varies.
The most common types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes develops when your immune system mistakenly destroys cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Without sufficient insulin, sugar builds in the bloodstream and causes diabetes.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to avoid serious health complications related to extremely elevated blood sugar, including coma and death.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type by far, and it occurs when cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. This causes abnormal blood sugar levels that, over time, lead to the health consequences associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
Hormones produced by the placenta during pregnancy can make your cells more resistant to insulin. Gestational diabetes develops when your pancreas can't keep up with the increased demand for insulin.
This type of diabetes normally resolves once you’ve delivered your baby. It does, however, increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Type 1 diabetes is not related to your weight. Excess weight can affect diabetes management, however, and is a common risk factor for type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Notably, though, not everyone with type 2 or gestational diabetes is overweight. It’s estimated that 10-15% of people with diabetes are at a healthy weight or even slightly underweight. In fact, unexplained weight loss is one symptom of diabetes.
Other factors that can increase your risk of developing type 2 or gestational diabetes include:
Another risk factor is age, as type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, but it can also occur in children, teens, and young adults
Regardless of your weight, a diet that’s high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, and sugary foods or beverages also increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
For more information about diabetes management, supervised weight loss, or any of the other services we offer, schedule a visit at Southern Nevada Bariatrics today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Prediabetes is more than just a warning. It can have real health consequences. It does, however, give you an opportunity to avoid a disease that can lead to debilitating nerve damage, organ failure, and vision loss.
Bariatric surgery changes the way your body responds to food. Learn about the positive impact these changes can have on your physical well-being as well as your ability to lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Bariatric surgery has helped millions overcome the numerous health challenges related to excess weight. Despite its safety and effectiveness, however, many misconceptions exist regarding the procedure. We correct the record here.
Just about everyone can expect to have an occasional bout of heartburn. If heartburn occurs frequently or becomes more persistent, however, that familiar burn in your chest could indicate a serious issue that needs a doctor’s care.
You may be surprised to learn that testosterone isn’t only for men. Learn more about the role this hormone plays in your overall health, what it has to do with your weight, and how testosterone replacement therapy can help.
You’re probably aware that being overweight can cause problems with your blood pressure, self-esteem, and heart. Did you know, though, that those extra pounds can also keep you up at night? Find out why excess weight can make it hard to sleep well.