Diabetes Specialist
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Family Medical Care, PLLC
Board Certified Family Practice Physicians & Family Practice located in Hayden, ID
More than 30 million Americans are estimated to have diabetes, although not all of them have been formally diagnosed. If you’re having difficulty managing your diabetes, or if you’re starting to experience symptoms like unexplained weight loss, leading primary care physician John Torquato, MD, offers personalized care at Family Medical Care, PLLC, in Hayden, Idaho. Book your diabetes evaluation through the website or call the clinic to speak with a team member.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes includes a complex group of conditions that involve how your body produces and utilizes insulin, a hormone needed for blood sugar (glucose) absorption. Your pancreas is responsible for secreting insulin to open up cells so glucose can provide essential fuel for cell functioning.
If your body doesn’t produce insulin because of genetics or an infection, as with Type 1 or juvenile diabetes, your blood sugar is always high, since cells can’t absorb it. You need to get insulin through injections or a pump in this case.
Sometimes, your pancreas produces insulin, but your body becomes resistant to it or your insulin levels aren’t adequate to stabilize blood sugar. This is known as Type 2 diabetes, and oftentimes, it develops over time due to obesity or family history.
Are there symptoms of diabetes?
Yes, although the symptoms of diabetes and poorly managed blood sugar aren’t very specific, so they’re easy to overlook. When you have diabetes, you may experience:
- Increased appetite and thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- More frequent urination
- Fatigue and irritability
- Vision problems
Untreated diabetes can also lead to widespread tissue damage, which means that wounds may take longer than normal to heal. You may even find that you develop more frequent infections. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, or if you know you need help managing your diabetes, Dr. Torquato at Family Medical Care, PLLC, can help.
Can I get treatment for diabetes?
Yes! Diabetes is a chronic condition, so ongoing care and healthful lifestyle changes are essential. At Family Medical Care, PLLC, Dr. Torquato runs expanded labs, evaluates your health history, and talks with you about your lifestyle to find solutions that may help you.
Dr. Torquato specializes in the NEWSTART® program, which incorporates nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, and trust, to build a foundation for healthy living. He can provide customized dietary counseling and even get you started on plant-based nutrition to help you better manage your diabetes.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Torquato can educate you on how and when to take your blood sugar and counsel you about how to manage your insulin injections or pump. In some cases, particularly with Type 2 diabetes, medications can help improve insulin functions and better stabilize your blood sugar, too.
You can receive the comprehensive diabetes management you need at Family Medical Care, PLLC. Schedule your diabetes evaluation online or over the phone today.
