Expert Diabetes Care in Colorado Springs
at Charis Medical Center
Welcome to Charis Medical Center, your trusted destination for comprehensive diabetes care and management in Colorado Springs. Our experienced healthcare professionals specialize in helping individuals with diabetes live healthier lives through personalized treatment plans, education, and support.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body utilizes glucose (sugar) for energy. There are different types of diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. It requires ongoing management to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, and slow wound healing.
What is Diabetes?
Understanding Diabetes
Individualized Treatment Plans
We develop personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs, type of diabetes, overall health, and lifestyle. Our team will work closely with you to establish blood sugar targets, manage medication, provide dietary recommendations, and advise on exercise routines.
Medication Management
Depending on the type and progression of your diabetes, medication may be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels. Our healthcare professionals will monitor your response to medications, adjust dosages if necessary, and educate you on proper usage and potential side effects.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is vital in managing diabetes. Our team will guide you on proper monitoring techniques and help you interpret the results to make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
Lifestyle Modifications
Our healthcare professionals will provide guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle to better manage diabetes. This includes recommendations for a balanced diet, portion control, regular physical activity, stress management, and weight management strategies.
Diabetes Education and Support
in Colorado Springs
Education and support play a crucial role in diabetes management. At Charis Medical Center, we offer comprehensive diabetes education to empower you with the knowledge and skills to successfully manage your condition. Our healthcare professionals will provide guidance on:
Diabetes Self-Care
Learn self-care techniques, such as proper medication administration, blood sugar monitoring, healthy meal planning, foot care, and managing sick days.
Preventing Complications
Understand the importance of preventive measures and receive guidance on managing potential complications associated with diabetes, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage.
Emotional Support
Living with diabetes can be challenging. Our healthcare professionals offer emotional support, addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of diabetes management to help you cope and thrive.
Types of Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body processes glucose, a type of sugar that serves as a primary source of energy. There are different types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and usually develops in adulthood. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, sedentary behavior, and poor diet, contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Management involves a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, oral medications, and sometimes insulin therapy.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when hormonal changes affect insulin production and utilization. It usually resolves after childbirth, but women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prevention and Complications - Minimizing Risks:
While diabetes is a chronic condition, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of complications:
Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining optimal blood sugar control is essential in reducing the risk of complications. Regular monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications help keep blood sugar levels within target ranges.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management
Controlling high blood pressure and managing cholesterol levels is crucial in preventing heart disease, stroke, and other diabetes-related complications. A healthy lifestyle, medication, and regular check-ups can help manage these risk factors.
Regular Check-ups
Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your diabetes, assess overall health, and identify any early signs of complications. This includes eye exams, foot exams, kidney function tests, and other preventive screenings.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly impact diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications. Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, consume a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress, and get adequate sleep.
Comprehensive Diabetes Care - Empowering Self-Management
Managing diabetes effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes:
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps you understand how your body responds to different foods, physical activity, medications, and other factors. It enables you to make informed decisions and adjustments to keep your blood sugar within a target range.
Healthy Eating
Adopting a balanced diet that focuses on whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, is essential in managing diabetes. Portion control, carbohydrate counting, and mindful eating can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Regular Physical Activity
Engaging in regular exercise offers numerous benefits for diabetes management. It helps improve insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar levels, promotes weight loss or maintenance, and enhances overall well-being. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises.
Medication and Insulin Therapy
Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, medications, and insulin therapy may be prescribed. It's crucial to take medications as prescribed and follow insulin regimens to keep blood sugar levels stable. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure optimal medication management.