Your Guide to Early Screening & Management

November is National Diabetes Month, a crucial time to focus on one of the most common and manageable health conditions in the United States. Roughly 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, but nearly 1 in 5 don't even know they have it.

At Alpha Urgent Care, we care about your long-term wellness, so we've put together this guide to help you understand risk factors and early signs.

The Signs

1. Excessive Thirst & Frequent Urination

If you find yourself constantly drinking water, but still feeling dehydrated, and are making bathroom trips more often than usual (especially waking up frequently at night), this can be a key indicator that your body is working overtime to get rid of excess sugar.

2. Constant Fatigue

Everyone gets tired sometimes, but persistent, debilitating fatigue (even after a full night's sleep) can be a sign that glucose is not properly moving from your bloodstream into your cells for energy.

3. Blurry Vision or Slow-Healing Sores

Unexplained blurry vision, even if temporary, or cuts, scratches, and sores that take much longer than normal to heal can be related to high blood sugar levels impacting circulation and your body's ability to repair itself.

Management: Three Pillars

If you are diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, the good news is that lifestyle changes can be just as effective as medication in the initial stages. Management is a team effort, but these three pillars set a strong foundation:

1. Embrace a Health-Focused Diet

This is the single most important change. Focusing on reducing simple carbohydrates (like white bread, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks) which cause sudden sugar spikes. Instead prioritize:

• High-Fiber foods Like vegetables, whole grains, and legumes
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, nuts, and avocados
• Portion Control: Use the plate method: half of your plate should be non-starchy vegetables.

2. Move your Body Regularly

Physical activity helps your muscles use glucose for energy, which effectively lowers your blood sugar level. You don't need to join an expensive gym - just start moving! 

• Goal: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week (like a brisk 30-minute walk 5 days a week!)
• Benefit: Exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin, helping you manage glucose levels more efficiently.

3. Weight Management (if necessary)

If you are overweight, losing even a modest amount (just 5-7% of your body weight) can significantly reduce your risk of progressing from prediabetes to Type 2 Diabetes. Your healthcare provider can work with you to create a sustainable weight loss plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Beyond Diagnosis

While Alpha Urgent Care is always here for your urgent health needs, diabetes is considered a chronic condition that requires consistent, long-term management. This is where your Primary Care Provider is essential. Your PCP will:

• Establish medication management plans
• Help you coordinate with specialists (like endocrinologists)
• Create personalized diet and lifestyle plans to keep your sugar levels controlled
• And more! 

If you suspect you have symptoms, visit Alpha Urgent Care today for quick and convenient blood testing. If you have been diagnosed, feel free to give us a call to learn more about our new Primary Care services for long-term management.