Diabetes

More than 37 million Americans — about 1 person in 10 — have diabetes today. Cranford L. Scott MD, Inc, the private practice of esteemed physician Cranford Scott, MD, specializes in internal medicine, giving the practice extensive expertise in managing the needs of adults with diabetes in their Inglewood, California, office. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule a visit with Dr. Scott now.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that happens when you have abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) over a long period of time. 

People with Type 1 diabetes don’t make insulin, the hormone that helps them process glucose, and people with Type 2 diabetes make insulin but become less able to use it properly over time. 

Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable, but Type 2 diabetes is almost always preventable. Before developing Type 2 diabetes, people commonly experience high blood sugar that’s not yet consistently high enough for diagnosis (prediabetes). Around one-third of all Americans have prediabetes today, and many don’t know it. 

Without treatment, diabetes can lead to numerous complications like vision loss, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease. But knowing the symptoms and having regular screenings help you take a proactive approach. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms can include: 

• Tiredness
• Frequent urination, including multiple times during the night
• Extreme thirst 
• Increased hunger
• Blurry eyesight
• Tingling or numbness in feet or hands
• Dry skin
• Slow-healing wounds
• Frequent infections and increased vulnerability to sickness
• Weight loss without trying 

With Type 1 diabetes, you might also have stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, but Type 2 symptoms start slowly. Many people with Type 2 diabetes don’t have symptoms until late in the disease.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Dr. Scott screens for diabetes during annual wellness exams and can perform lab tests at other times based on your needs. He typically diagnoses diabetes after you’ve consistently demonstrated high blood sugar on two or more blood sugar tests.

What happens after I’m diagnosed with diabetes?

First, it’s important to know that you can live a long and healthy life with diabetes. Dr. Scott is a diabetes management expert with decades of experience in controlling the factors that lead to high blood sugar. 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, Dr. Scott helps you manage your insulin, which you must use daily. He also guides you in lifestyle choices, including dietary services and exercise plans. 

If you have Type 2 diabetes, your treatment approach depends on the stage of the disease. Many people with Type 2 diabetes make diet changes and become more physically active to control their disease. Medication can help as well. For late-stage Type 2 diabetes, you’ll need insulin daily.  

Call Cranford L. Scott MD, Inc, or book your appointment online today.