Diabetes Doctor in Bradenton, FL

Early signs and symptoms of diabetes can often be subtle and may develop gradually over time. One of the most common symptoms we see in our patients is increased thirst, medically known as polydipsia, which often leads to drinking more fluids than usual. Alongside this, frequent urination, or polyuria, tends to occur as the body attempts to rid itself of excess sugar through the urine.

Many individuals in our community also notice unexplained weight loss, even when eating habits or appetite remain unchanged. This happens because the body starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy when it cannot use glucose properly. Another early warning sign is increased hunger, or polyphagia, resulting from the body’s inability to effectively utilize glucose for energy.

Some people may experience blurred vision, which occurs when high blood sugar causes fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, affecting the ability to focus.

At Manatee Primary Care, we also pay close attention to slow healing of cuts and bruises, as elevated blood sugar can impair the body’s natural healing processes and immune response. Frequent infections, such as urinary tract or skin infections, may be an early warning sign, and in some cases, individuals may experience tingling or numbness in their hands or feet a symptom known as neuropathy, which is more common in those with type 2 diabetes.

Recognizing these symptoms early is important. Our experienced team is here to help you with prompt diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to prevent more serious complications associated with diabetes.

At Manatee Primary Care, we believe that effective diabetes management is essential to maintaining your health and quality of life. Our team is dedicated to helping you control your blood sugar through practical strategies focused on nutrition and physical activity.

Healthy Eating for Blood Sugar Control:

We encourage our patients to focus on balanced meals that incorporate a variety of whole foods such as non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Portion control is important, even with healthy foods, as overeating can impact your blood glucose levels. Monitoring your carbohydrate intake is especially vital. Opt for high-fiber choices like whole grain breads, brown rice, beans, and legumes, which are digested more slowly and help prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Establishing regular meal times throughout the day can also help your body better regulate blood sugar. Limiting added sugars, sweetened drinks, and processed snacks is beneficial, as these foods can cause rapid increases in blood glucose levels. At Manatee Primary Care, we can connect you with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator to develop a personalized meal plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

The Importance of Physical Activity:

Exercise is another key part of diabetes management. We recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, lowering your blood sugar. Incorporating resistance training like weight lifting or yoga, a couple of times a week, can also help build muscle and further improve glucose control.

Before starting any new exercise routine, it’s important to consult with your provider.

Blood sugar monitoring is a vital part of managing diabetes, and the frequency of checks can vary from person to person. How often you should monitor your blood sugar depends on several factors, including the type of diabetes you have, your treatment plan, and your provider’s recommendations.

If you have type 1 diabetes or use insulin, you may need to check your blood sugar multiple times daily, such as before and after meals, at bedtime, or even during the night. For patients with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin, blood sugar checks may be needed less frequently, perhaps just a few times a week or as your Manatee Primary Care provider advises.

If you’re adjusting your medication, diet, or activity level, our team might recommend more frequent monitoring to understand how these changes affect your blood sugar. It’s also important to check your levels more often if you feel unwell, experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar, or if you are pregnant.

Always follow the specific instructions from your healthcare provider, as your blood sugar monitoring schedule will be tailored to your individual needs. Regular monitoring helps you and our team make the best decisions for your diabetes management, reducing your risk of complications and helping you live your healthiest life.

Untreated diabetes can lead to serious health complications affecting nearly every organ system. Persistently high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, significantly increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetes is a major cause of kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy), which can progress to kidney failure. Regular eye exams are also crucial, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, potentially causing vision loss or blindness.

Many patients experience diabetic neuropathy—nerve damage that causes pain or numbness in the hands and feet. This can lead to unnoticed injuries, serious infections, foot ulcers, or even amputation. At Manatee Primary Care, we emphasize foot exams and patient education to prevent these outcomes.

High blood sugar also weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections, delayed wound healing, and gum disease. For pregnant patients, uncontrolled diabetes raises the risk of complications for both mother and baby. In severe cases, life-threatening conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state can occur, requiring emergency care.

Since many complications develop gradually and without early symptoms, routine checkups and proactive management are essential. At Manatee Primary Care, we’re here to help you manage your diabetes with a personalized care plan designed to protect your health and improve your quality of life. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6302 Manatee Ave W, Suite D, Bradenton, FL 34209. We serve patients from Bradenton FL, Parrish FL, Bayshore Gardens FL, Memphis FL, South Bradenton FL, Palmetto FL, and surrounding areas.