What You Need To Know About Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in Teton County? In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled. There are currently 37.3 million US adults that have diabetes and another 96 million that have pre-diabetes. Leaving diabetes unchecked and untreated can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. 

Signs and Symptoms

You should know what symptoms to be concerned about as it relates to diabetes. If you have any of the following, it’s time to talk with your provider:

  • Urinate a lot, often at night.
  • Are very thirsty.
  • Lose weight without trying.
  • Are very hungry.
  • Have blurry vision.
  • Have numb or tingling hands or feet.
  • Feel very tired.
  • Have very dry skin.
  • Have sores that heal slowly.
  • Have more infections than usual.

It’s important to reach out sooner rather than later if you’re concerned about diabetes. If you notice any of the symptoms above, make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away. 

Know The Risk Factors

Type 1 Diabetes

Risk factors for type 1 diabetes are not as clear as for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes, however known risk factors include:

  • Family history: Having a parent, brother, or sister with type 1 diabetes.
  • Age: You can get type 1 diabetes at any age, but it usually develops in children, teens, or young adults.

Type 2 Diabetes

You’re at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:

  • Have pre-diabetes.
  • Are overweight.
  • Are 45 years or older.
  • Have a parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes.
  • Are physically active less than 3 times a week.
  • Have ever had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
  • Are an African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian American people are also at higher risk.

A Team Approach to Preventing and Managing Diabetes

The Diabetes Management Program at Teton Valley Health can provide guidance, education, and support with both diabetes prevention and management. 

Our Diabetes Management Team includes a certified diabetes educator, registered dietitian, highly skilled registered nurses, primary care providers, and more. With their help, patients receive a diabetes management plan customized to each and every individual need you have. 

We simplify diabetes care by giving you access to customized nutrition and exercise coaching and helping you learn essential skills to manage your condition. Patients receive a personalized care plan that combines easy-to-follow guidance and education about nutrition and blood sugar control with the right exercise level for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Finding a healthy personal balance — learning to control one’s blood sugar levels through a combination of good nutrition, exercise and often medication — is the key to successfully preventing or managing diabetes.

Treatment Plans For Preventing Diabetes

Before developing type 2 diabetes, most people have pre-diabetes, which means their blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough yet for a diabetes diagnosis. Despite pre-diabetes being extremely common, it can be reversed with the right lifestyle changes. 

Our Diabetes Management Team can help patients take small, manageable steps. We’ll review how to eat healthy and add more physical activity into your day. We’ll also help you manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can slow important progress. 

Treatment Plans For Managing Diabetes

When a patient first meets with our team to discuss diabetes, we will order several test to help us determine the right diagnosis. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral medications may play a role in your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular physical activity are all important factors in managing diabetes.

In addition, treatment plans for type 1 diabetes will involve insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Treatment plans for type 2 diabetes primarily involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with diabetes medications, insulin or both.

Because diabetes is a multi-faceted disease your diabetes management plan may also require care from a variety of specialties including endocrinology, ophthalmology, podiatry, neurology, and cardiology. Your Diabetes Management Team will coordinate your care with each specialist your plan may require. 

Don’t Wait To Put A Plan Into Action

Receiving a diagnosed of diabetes or pre-diabetes can feel daunting, but with the right help and support it doesn’t have to be.

The Diabetes Management Program at Teton Valley Health offers an incredible team of experts who can help you take control of your health and improve the quality of your life.

Our Family Practitioners can help you or your family member determine the next steps for your specific situation.

Make An Appointment Today!

Our Family Medicine Providers see patients at the Driggs or Victor Health Clinics, and can help you or your family member determine the next steps for your specific situation. 

To request an appointment, please call us at (208) 354-2383.