Diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects how the body processes glucose (sugar) in the blood. Normally, glucose comes from the food we eat and is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. For glucose to move from the bloodstream into the cells, the body needs the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas.
In diabetes, either there is too little insulin or the cells do not respond properly to it. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and does not efficiently reach the cells that need it. This sustained buildup can put different organs at risk.
There are several forms of diabetes, with type 1 and type 2 being the best known. There are also earlier stages such as prediabetes, and special situations like gestational diabetes.
Why does diabetes occur and what are its symptoms?
Causes
In type 1 diabetes, the body triggers an autoimmune reaction (it attacks its own beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin).
In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells no longer respond well to insulin (insulin resistance), and the pancreas cannot compensate indefinitely.
Common risk factors include obesity, lack of physical activity, family history of diabetes, certain ethnic backgrounds, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, among others.
Symptoms
Typical signs of diabetes can include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, and frequent infections. In the case of type 2 diabetes, symptoms can be subtle or take a long time to appear.
It is essential to stay alert: the earlier diabetes is detected, the sooner steps can be taken to help prevent complications.
How can an endocrinologist help?
The endocrinologist is the specialist who studies the body’s hormones, including insulin, and how they relate to metabolism and the endocrine system in general. In the case of diabetes, this professional can:
- Make the correct diagnosis (Is it type 1, type 2, or another form?).
- Prescribe and adjust hormonal treatments such as insulin or other antidiabetic medications.
- Monitor the condition over time: making sure glucose levels stay within target ranges and helping prevent complications in organs such as the kidneys, eyes, or heart.
- Coordinate with other health professionals (nutritionists, specialized nursing staff, etc.) so the patient receives comprehensive care.
Therefore, seeing an endocrinologist when there is a diabetes diagnosis—or important risk factors—is key to establishing a personalized management plan.
What is the role of the nutritionist?
The nutritionist or professional dietitian plays an equally essential role in diabetes care. Some of their main functions include:
- Teaching the person how to structure an eating pattern that helps control glucose: choosing healthier foods with fewer simple sugars and more fiber, lean proteins, whole grains, etc.
- Helping them understand how many carbohydrates (complex or simple sugars) they consume, and what impact these have on their blood glucose levels.
- Supporting lifestyle changes: making small, sustainable changes and adapting the eating plan to the person’s preferences, culture, budget, and daily routine.
- Working together with the endocrinologist so that nutrition, medication, and physical activity form a coordinated plan that works.
A well-guided eating plan can be a pillar in diabetes control and, in some cases, help prevent prediabetes from progressing to type 2 diabetes.
What can you do right now?
- If you have risk factors (excess weight, family history, an ethnic background with higher risk, constant thirst, frequent urination), talk to your doctor about getting evaluated.
- Maintain an active lifestyle: move more and avoid being sedentary, which helps cells respond better to insulin.
- Take care with what you eat: reduce simple sugars and choose foods higher in fiber, lean proteins, and vegetables.
- See an endocrinologist for proper assessment and treatment, and a nutritionist to tailor your eating plan to your health goals.
- Be consistent with your checkups: blood glucose levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, and more all matter when it comes to preventing complications.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious but manageable disease: understanding what it is, how it develops, and what role specialists play puts you on the right path toward a better quality of life. An endocrinologist can guide the hormonal and overall treatment of the condition, while a nutritionist can help you develop an appropriate and sustainable eating plan over time.
We invite you to visit the medical directory at https://saluspr.com/en/medical-directory/ and schedule an appointment with the specialists who can accompany you on this journey toward better health. Don’t wait! your well-being comes first.