Healthcare Services

Type 2 Diabetes Care in Houston

Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance. This is when the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. A lack of insulin results in elevated blood sugar levels, leading to a range of health complications if left untreated. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adulthood, although it is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents due to rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes involves a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. Those who are obese and physically inactive with poor dietary habits and a family history of diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

A person’s ethnicity, age and certain medical conditions such as prediabetes, gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds or infections
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

Since many individuals with type 2 diabetes may not experience any symptoms initially, the condition may often be diagnosed during routine blood tests or screenings.

Treatment and Management for Type 2 Diabetes in Houston

The primary goals of type 2 diabetes treatment plans are to achieve and maintain stable blood sugar levels, prevent or delay complications and improve overall health and well-being. A typical type 2 diabetes management plan prescribed by doctors and specialists at St. Hope Healthcare may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Eating a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol intake and quitting smoking can help improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

• Oral Medications: Various oral medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists may be prescribed to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Insulin Therapy: In some cases, insulin therapy may be necessary to supplement oral medications and achieve optimal blood sugar control.

• Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring, A1C testing, blood pressure monitoring and cholesterol screening allow for properly calibrated treatment of type 2 diabetes.

• Education and Support: Diabetes education, support groups and resources can help individuals with type 2 diabetes learn about their condition, develop self-management skills and make informed decisions about their health.

Effective management of type 2 diabetes can be more involved than many other chronic conditions due to the need for regular blood sugar monitoring, with levels potentially fluctuating throughout the day due to things like activity level or diet. These variables may necessitate alterations to self-administered insulin that may not be the same from one day to the next.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for people with type 2 diabetes, but there are many modern tools that can make living with the condition easier and complications less likely. The team at St. Hope Healthcare can help you find the best approach for you.

Living Well with Type 2 Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes requires dedication, perseverance and the utmost care and support. At St. Hope Healthcare, we believe in empowering our patients to take control of their health and well-being.

Our comprehensive approach to type 2 diabetes care goes beyond treatment—it involves education, lifestyle modifications and ongoing support to help individuals thrive despite their diagnosis. By making positive changes to their diet, staying physically active, monitoring their blood sugar levels and adhering to their treatment plan, individuals with type 2 diabetes can lead fulfilling lives and reduce the risk of complications.

We Help People in the Greater Houston Area Effectively Manage Their Type 2 Diabetes

If you are concerned about being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and are seeking advice on lifestyle changes to prevent or delay its onset, or you’ve been diagnosed and need a management plan, St. Hope Healthcare can help.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community healthcare organization founded to address health disparities in the Houston area, providing affordable and highly effective care is central to our mission. This includes helping every patient, regardless of their resources, manage type 2 diabetes.

Our dedicated team at St. Hope Healthcare will be your partner in diabetes management. With our support, you can confidently navigate the challenges of type 2 diabetes and embrace a life filled with vitality and well-being.

Schedule an appointment with us today right here on our website or give us a call at (713) 778-1300 to discover how we can partner with you on your path to better health.