Diabetes Specialist
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Jaggers C. Keene, MD
Primary Care & Family Practice located in Largo, FL
Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition that requires expert health management. Jaggers Keene, MD, provides diabetes management and treatment at his practice, Jaggers C. Keene, MD, in Largo, Florida. To get the care you need to manage your diabetes, call the office today or use the website to schedule an appointment online.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a collection of metabolic conditions that, when unmanaged, can lead to abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in your blood. When you have high levels of blood sugar, your entire system suffers. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney damage, eye problems, nerve damage, and wounds that don’t heal.
Your body relies on a hormone called insulin to shuttle the glucose from the foods you eat into your cells for storage. If your body doesn’t make an adequate amount of insulin, you have diabetes.
What are the types of diabetes?
Diabetes can take on several forms. The earliest stage of the disease is known as prediabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when you have elevated blood sugar levels, but they aren’t quite high enough to qualify as full-blown diabetes.
Many patients with prediabetes eventually develop Type 2 diabetes if they don’t take steps, like adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine, to control their blood sugar.
Other types include:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that occurs when your immune system starts attacking your cells within your pancreas, shutting down insulin production. You must take insulin every day to keep your metabolism going. Type 1 diabetes is often passed down through genes.
Type 2 diabetes
When your body simply can’t make enough insulin to moderate your blood sugar levels, you have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is often due to lifestyle factors that include a high sugar diet, obesity, and inactivity.
Gestational diabetes
This is a type of diabetes that occurs in women during pregnancy. It is similar to Type 2 diabetes.
How can I manage my diabetes?
Dr. Keene has the training and experience to help you manage your diabetes. Regular visits to his office get you the screenings necessary to make sure your blood sugar is staying at a normal level and not likely to cause complications.
Type 1 diabetics are prescribed injectable insulin to keep their blood sugar levels normal. At home and in-office blood sugar checks make sure your dosing is correct.
Dr. Keene helps you manage Type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise routine that can also help you lose weight. You may also be prescribed medications to lower your blood sugar, and in some cases, you might need to take insulin.
If you need help managing diabetes, contact the office of Jaggers Keene, MD, today. Call the office or request an appointment using the website.
