Diabetes Type I

In Diabetes type I, the pancreas completely stops making a hormone called insulin. Insulin is responsible for taking sugar (or glucose) from the blood and putting it into body tissues and organs so that it can be used for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood while the body tissues and organs become deprived of glucose. This leads to various symptoms, including lightheadedness, dizziness, frequent urination, extreme thirst, hunger and fatigue. Without proper treatment, the level of glucose in the blood becomes dangerously high and can even be life threatening.

Diabetes Type II

In Diabetes type II, the body tissues develop resistance to insulin and do not use insulin as effectively as they should. The pancreas releases more and more insulin to try and make up for this resistance. The level of sugar (or glucose) in the blood becomes dangerously high without treatment. The elevated blood glucose causes various symptoms and can eventually become dangerous or even life-threatening. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing insulin altogether.

Treatment

If left untreated, diabetes type I and II can lead to significant changes and complications including: heart disease, heart attacks, kidney damage, nerve and blood vessel damage (especially to the feet), eye or vision problems, sexual dysfunction, increased risk of infections and poor wound healing.

At Paloma Primary Care, we discuss the many options available to diabetic patients, including medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes. We understand that many patients can not afford certain diabetic medications and work very hard to come with a realistic plan that the patient is able to afford. We are also happy to fill out financial aid applications for many of the newer diabetic patients which enable many patients to get certain medications for free.