By Caroline Jones, M.D., Buffalo Medical Group Primary Care 

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to better understand a condition that affects millions of Americans. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose, or blood sugar. Unfortunately, many people live with diabetes for years before receiving a diagnosis, putting them at risk of serious health complications.

One reason diabetes often goes undiagnosed is that symptoms can develop gradually or be so mild they are easily overlooked. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, may progress for years before noticeable symptoms appear. Common warning signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections. Some people have no symptoms at all, making routine screening especially important.

If left untreated, diabetes can affect nearly every organ system in the body. Persistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss, hearing problems, foot ulcers, nerve damage, and even amputation. Diabetes is also linked to gum disease, liver disease, and cognitive decline. Early diagnosis and effective management can significantly reduce these risks.

There are two primary forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy to survive. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs. It is often associated with genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Several treatment options are available, depending on the type and severity of diabetes. These may include healthy eating, regular physical activity, weight management, blood glucose monitoring, oral medications, non-insulin injectables, and insulin therapy. Working closely with a healthcare provider can help individuals develop a personalized treatment plan that supports long-term health.

Understanding key diabetes terms can also empower patients:

  • Blood Glucose: The amount of sugar circulating in the bloodstream, which is the body’s primary energy source.
  • A1C: A blood test that measures average blood glucose levels over the previous two to three months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

By recognizing the signs, undergoing regular screenings, and understanding available treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to prevent complications and live healthier lives with diabetes. 

Buffalo Medical Group Primary Care is accepting new patients at all locations. Call 716-656-4471 to schedule an appointment. Visit https://www.buffalomedicalgroup.com/services/primary-care to learn more.