Ask a Doctor

Hatim A. Mahmoud, MD, of Piedmont Endocrinology, Inc. has seen how destructive diabetes can be. Perhaps one in three people who have the disease has yet to be diagnosed. Here, Dr. Mahmoud gives advice on what you can do to treat it before it's too late.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

One of the problems with diagnosing this disease is that the early stages have few recognizable symptoms. People who are most susceptible to diabetes are the obese or those with a family history of diabetes. Unexplained fatigue and weakness is often the first thing you may experience. Other signs that should raise a red flag include frequent nighttime urination, excessive thirst, blurry vision, darkening of the skin around the neck and excessive skin tags. Diabetes can present at any age.

I've heard about Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. What does that mean?

Type 1 begins earlier in life, and is harder to control. It occurs when the body fails to produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body process sugar. Daily insulin injections are necessary to keep your body functioning normally. Type 2 occurs when the body does not respond well enough to our own insulin and, without treatment, gets progressively worse. Oral medications may be prescribed to stimulate more insulin production, and if that's not successful, daily insulin injections may he required. Diabetes is a lifelong illness that can be successfully controlled but it requires daily attention.

What happens if diabetes is not treated?

The acute result is severe dehydration and even coma. But there are many chronic problems that result as well. Diabetes impairs circulation throughout the body, and is the leading cause of non traumatic amputations in Virginia. It's also a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and can damage the nerves, feet, and skin.

What can be done to reduce the risk?

If you are in one of the high-risk groups, there are several steps you can take. Proper nutrition is important to maintain a good blood sugar level. Exercise will help keep weight down and is also beneficial in managing diabetes. And if you're overweight, talk to your physician about starting a safe and effective weight-loss program that with have far-ranging benefits to your health. If you experience any of the symptoms of diabetes, consult your physician.

For more information, consult your physician, call the Health Referral Service at (434) 799-WELL or toll -free at (877) 799-WELL. Be sure to bookmark our website, www.danvilleregional.com.