Most people think of type 1 diabetes as a childhood disease, but the reality is, more adults than children have it, according to the American Diabetes Association. And while type 1 and type 2 behave differently in your body, their symptoms, testing and treatments are almost identical. Both are serious diseases and need to be treated right away—but they also are manageable.
At Central Maine Healthcare, we offer everything you need to take control. Our dedicated team of endocrinologists, certified diabetes educators, nutritionists and more combine expert clinical care with hands-on support to keep you healthy and well.
About Diabetes
More than a million Americans have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a chronic (ongoing) condition in which your pancreas has stopped making insulin, which you need to carry glucose (sugar) to the cells throughout your body so it can be used as energy. With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin, or it doesn’t make enough. In either case, your organs aren’t getting the fuel they need to run properly.
Common diabetes symptoms include:
- Constant thirst
- Extreme hunger
- Frequent need to urinate
- Unexplained weight loss
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Two other symptoms can also indicate possible type 2 diabetes: darkened skin where your skin creases, such as in the crook of your elbow or around your neck, and “fruity”-smelling breath. If you’re injured, you might also notice that the injuries take longer than usual to heal.
Like prediabetes, type 1 and type 1 are diagnosed with a variety of blood tests, and your endocrinologist at Central Maine Healthcare can recommend the best screening for you.
Personalized Treatment & Lifestyle Support
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, our team will work with you to find the best care plan. Central Maine’s certified diabetes educators and nutritionists will arm you with all the information and skills you need to monitor and manage your diabetes with confidence. We also offer number of support groups and classes to keep you up-to-date on the latest advancements.
Your personalized treatment plan may include insulin intake, either by injections or pump — a small, computerized device (about the size of a cell phone) that continually sends insulin into your body. It’s inserted under the skin of your abdomen with a small, flexible tube called a catheter, and you can wear the pump itself on your belt or in a pocket. A lot of patients enjoy using a pump; they don’t have to worry about injecting themselves during the day, the dose is precise and it allows more flexibility in their lifestyle.
We’ll also support you with blood sugar monitoring, an eating and exercise plan based on your own tastes and activities you enjoy, and possibly medications, such as a cholesterol-lowering drug.
Empowering You to Live Your Best
A special feature of our treatment program is our Self-Management Program, offered throughout the year. This seminar covers every aspect of diabetes self-care, from recognizing risk factors and symptoms to blood glucose monitoring, foot care and preventing complications.
