Diabetes affects an estimated 10% of Americans of all ages. Type 1 can affect children and adults, while Type 2 is more common in adults. Diabetes management is vital to prevent many health complications caused by high blood sugar. Rapid Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates, IL offers our patients effective diabetes treatment and management.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, resulting in high blood sugar. When glucose or blood sugar is high, it can cause damage to nerves, kidneys, arteries, vision, hearing and more. If diabetes is not controlled or managed, patients are at high risk for stroke and heart attack.

The exact cause of diabetes is not known. Type 1 diabetes is often linked to genetic factors – a family history of diabetes puts you at higher risk. Obesity is a key factor in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes and gestational are other types of diabetes. Testing and diagnosis for diabetes include:

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C). This is a non-fasting blood test that measures your blood sugar attached to hemoglobin. A1C levels above 6.5% are signs of diabetes; 5.7-6.4% are considered prediabetes.
• Random glucose test. Non-fasting, random blood tests can measure glucose. If glucose is 200 mg or higher, it can be a sign of diabetes.
• Fasting glucose test. After fasting overnight, glucose should be below 100 mg – any higher can suggest diabetes.

Diagnosis of diabetes usually requires multiple blood tests, along with evaluating other medical factors.

Treatment for Diabetes

The type of diabetes management needed depends on the type and severity. Type 1 diabetics require insulin to manage their glucose levels, while not all Type 2 diabetics will need to use insulin. Diabetes management includes dietary changes, exercise and monitoring blood sugar levels. Medications are available that can help stimulate insulin production. For Type 2 diabetics, weight loss can help lower A1C and reduce the need for medication to manage their diabetes.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or have risk factors, come see us at Rapid Immediate Care. We can provide diabetes testing and treatment for all types of diabetes. Contact our Hoffman Estates, IL, clinic to schedule a diabetes diagnostic appointment.