Diabetes

Do you have symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst or frequent urination? This chronic health condition affects how your body processes sugar (glucose), a vital energy source for your cells. Felicia Hendricks, RD, and founder of Heartistry Nutrition with two locations in Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona, is a registered dietitian who has the expertise to customize treatments to address your condition, help you maintain overall health, and prevent long-term issues. Make an appointment by phone or book online today to visit the nearest location.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then absorbed by cells with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. 

In diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or it can't use the insulin it makes effectively. This leads to high blood sugar (glucose) levels, which can cause damage to various organs over time if not managed properly.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet (more common in type 2)

In some cases, if you have type 2 diabetes, you may not show any symptoms until you have extremely high blood sugar levels.

What causes diabetes?

The exact cause of diabetes depends on the type. 

Type 1:

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including viral infections, that trigger the immune system to attack insulin-producing cells. It’s typically diagnosed in children or young adults.

Type 2:

Type 2 diabetes, which is more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. It’s primarily caused by lifestyle factors, such as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, which includes making poor diet choices and being physically inactive. However, genetics can also play a role.

How is diabetes treated with nutrition?

At Heartistry Nutrition, Felicia first seeks to understand your goals, whether you want to lower your A1c or reduce the need for medications. She teaches you how to pair proteins with your favorite carbohydrates and how a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help stabilize glucose levels. She also reviews optimal meal timing for improved blood sugar control — no need to avoid or skip meals. 

Felicia offers a free 20-minute consultation at your initial visit, focusing on you as a whole person rather than just treating your symptoms.

Learn more about diabetes and how you can use nutrition to help improve your blood sugar control by scheduling an appointment today. Call Felicia during business hours or book online now.