Efrain Rodriguez, MD
Family Medicine
Diabetes occurs when the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high. Without regulation, your blood sugar can fluctuate rapidly, causing serious problems.
What does this have to do with you? In the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has doubled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In fact, over 37 million people in the United States have diabetes – and one out of every five of them don’t know it. What’s more, over one-third of all U.S. adults are prediabetic, itself a serious health condition in which people have elevated sugar levels – and eight in 10 of them don’t know. This is why it’s important to know the signs.
The physicians with South Texas Health System® Clinics can help with the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Efrain Rodriguez, MD, is ready to help you start managing your health today. Below, he answers some commonly asked questions about diabetes.
Q. What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Typically, Type 1 diabetes occurs in early childhood. This happens when your body attacks the cells that produce insulin, the hormone our bodies produce to regulate our blood sugar. If we don’t make enough (or any at all), diabetes develops.
More commonly found in adults, Type 2 may appear later in life. Type 2 occurs when the body can’t use insulin effectively (what’s called insulin resistance). Individuals with Type 2 diabetes either cannot produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin they do produce.
Q. What are the symptoms of diabetes?
It’s important to speak to your physician if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, as they may warrant further testing:
– Frequent urination
– Excessive thirst
– Excessive hunger
– Dry, itchy skin
– A feeling of “pins and needles”
– Slow-healing wounds
– Weakness/fatigue
– Blurred vision
– Headaches
Q. What if it goes untreated?
If diabetes is left untreated, high blood sugar levels can affect various cells and organs. Common complications include kidney damage (which can lead to dialysis), eye damage (blindness) and increased risks of heart disease and stroke. In some cases, it can lead to a diabetic coma.
Q. Besides treatment, what can I do to help manage Type 2 diabetes, once diagnosed?
While you should always consult your physician before starting any exercise plan, it’s almost always a good idea to move more. There are many benefits to an active lifestyle, especially when paired with a balanced diet. To maintain healthy blood glucose levels, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein. In most cases, bettering your overall health increases disease manageability. You should also schedule regular check-ups with your physician to ensure your treatment plan is effective.
It’s never too late to focus on your health. At South Texas Health System Clinics, we’re ready to guide you – no matter where you are in your journey.
Dr. Efrain Rodriguez
Family Medicine
South Texas Health System Clinics
1449 W. Duranta Avenue | Suite 3
Alamo, TX 78516
To make an appointment, schedule online at www.sthsclinics.com or call 956-997-6565.
After graduating from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – McGovern Medical School, Dr. Rodriguez completed his residency in family medicine at The University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley.
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