Diabetes care and management in Alexandria, Louisiana
Diabetes can seem overwhelming, but we empower you with ways to address it.
At Rapides Regional Medical Center, we work to address diabetes symptoms, while monitoring your condition through annual exams. With an understanding of how diabetes affects you, we can give you the tools to help manage its effects on your daily life.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Types of diabetes we treat
Managing diabetes is an ongoing responsibility, so we give you access to specialists with expertise in each type, including:
- Gestational diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
Services offered by our endocrinologists
Our team of diabetes specialists creates a personalized care plan that assesses where you are in your journey with diabetes, what kind of diabetes you have and your goals for treatment.
Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes
In certain situations, if Type 2 diabetes is caught early, you may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms can include:
- Blurred vision
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Irritability
- Sores that heal slowly
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have Type 2 diabetes, additional issues your body may experience include:
- Not producing enough insulin because your GLP-1 hormones are not functioning as they should
- Not using insulin efficiently
- Releasing too much sugar from the liver
- Requiring more insulin than the typical amount
Diabetes tests we conduct
If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it is important to see your primary care doctor several times per year. Our specialists recognize how crucial these visits are, and with this in mind, will review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam.
These check-ups will address nutrition, physical activity, blood pressure, diabetes management, cardiovascular risk factors (such as being overweight) and possible related complications.
It is crucial to get the following exams done each year:
- Dilated eye test
- Fasting lipid bloodwork
- Kidney test (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
- Thorough foot examination
A1C tests measure the average amount of glucose in your blood. We recommend getting an A1C test every three months if your average blood sugar level is off, and every six months if you are stable and have achieved your ideal blood sugar level.
Diabetes and heart disease
If you are diabetic, your risk for heart disease is higher than someone who does not have heart disease.
Heart disease screenings
Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S., which makes it even more crucial to get screened if you've experienced diabetes for a long period. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, new, innovative medications can lower glucose and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Consult your physician about your cardiovascular health and what you can be doing to improve your quality of life while living with diabetes.
Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S., which makes it even more crucial to get screened if you've experienced diabetes for a long period. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, new, innovative medications can lower glucose and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Consult your physician about your cardiovascular health and what you can be doing to improve your quality of life while living with diabetes.