At Adult Medicine Specialists of Las Vegas, Dr. Darren Wirtz and his staff specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of diabetes. The practice serves residents in and around the greater Las Vegas, Nevada, area.

Diabetes Q & A

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?
Diabetes has several signs and symptoms that are easily recognizable. They include dizziness, blurred vision, frequent urination, unquenchable thirst, extreme fatigue, and lightheadedness that may result in fainting. If these symptoms begin to appear frequently, or if a person begins to feel shaky if they have not eaten for several hours, it is recommended that they seek medical attention immediately. Diabetes that is left untreated can result in a diabetic coma or death. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and excessive weight gain are conditions that may increase a person’s risk of diabetes. Patients with a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at increased risk of developing diabetes.

Can Diabetes be Controlled Without the use of Insulin?
If a person is diagnosed with pre-diabetes or the condition is in its earliest stages, it is possible that it can be controlled without the use of insulin. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and limiting a person’s consumption of sweet foods and artificial sweeteners can work to control a person’s blood sugar levels. There are also oral forms of insulin which can be used in conjunction with a healthy diet to help control blood sugar levels and keep them within normal limits. A diagnosis of pre-diabetes and the creation of healthy lifestyle habits can help turn around the diagnosis if the person follows the doctor’s orders and begins to take proper care of themselves.

Is Diabetes Caused by Eating too Much Sugar?
Although eating too much sugar can throw off a person’s blood sugar levels, it is not the only cause of diabetes. An increased sugar intake, combined with excessive weight gain and lack of regular exercise can set the stage for diabetes if the person does not take care of themselves. Diet plays an important role in the management of blood glucose levels. Exercise also helps to control blood glucose by burning off any excess that may be present. In fact, exercise can dramatically lower glucose levels when there is not enough insulin or too much glucose in the blood stream. Eating sugar, both refined and natural, increases the level of glucose in the blood, Exercise, like insulin, helps to control it and lower it to more normal levels.