Discussing Diabetes & Defeating Challenges

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome that mainly describes abnormal carbohydrate metabolism and is characterized by high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia. There are different types of diabetes, but most commonly present as Diabetes Type 1, Diabetes Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in 2022 of approximately 11.3 percent of adults equivalent to 37.3 million people; 28.7 million with diagnosed diabetes, an estimated 8.5 million undiagnosed, and 95 percent of whom have Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Type 1 is an acquired condition characterized by the deconstruction of pancreatic cells in charge of producing insulin. When this happens, there is a deficiency, and patients need insulin. Twenty-five percent of patients require a hospital evaluation at diagnosis. Diabetes Type 1 usually affects the younger population and is unrelated to a specific body mass index.

Diabetes Type 2 is the most common, affecting 90-95% of patients with diabetes. The high blood sugar levels usually occur due to a progressive loss of insulin from the pancreas, accompanied by insulin resistance, that finally results in a relative insulin deficiency compared to the glucose levels present. Most patients affected with this condition are overweight adults, but also could be present in young patients with normal body mass index.  Usually is asymptomatic but could present symptoms related to hyperglycemia like increased urine frequency, increased thirst, unintentional weight loss, blurry vision, or susceptibility to infections.

Gestational Diabetes can develop during pregnancy after 20 weeks of gestation in women who don’t already have diabetes. Usually, it is associated with acquired insulin resistance and a relative insulin deficiency due to a pregnancy hormone effect on insulin metabolism.

Central Florida Health Care has a new Endocrinologist, Dr. Jessica Castellanos Diaz, who focuses on diabetic patients, among other endocrinologic conditions. Dr. Castellanos-Diaz is a Board-certified Internist and Board-certified Endocrinologist who follows up-to-date guidelines based on the American Diabetes Association and Endocrine Society to offer high-quality service to the patients in our Davenport Health Center. The schedule accommodates as many diabetes patients as possible.

Dr. Castellanos-Diaz provides education in diabetes management, treatment, complications, diet, exercise, and nutritional facts that affect carbohydrate metabolism. Patients are also educated and trained in diabetes technology like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors. Patients receive a complete evaluation and assessment of complications and risks on the first visit and are offered close follow-up visits to provide the support that diabetes patients need to be successful.

Central Florida Health Care also offers telemedicine to allow patients with transportation issues to benefit from this new service. The patient has access to a patient portal where the provider shares laboratory results and treatment recommendations and answers medical questions promptly. We look forward to serving you and helping with any healthcare needs.