Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex disease and not one you need to manage all on your own. At Alliance Primary Care in Princeton and McKinney, Texas, Danielle Hawkins, APRN, takes a patient-centered approach to diabetes management. She partners with you so you feel like you’re part of the decision-making process. Call today or schedule your diabetes consultation online. Telehealth appointments are available.

What should I know about diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition characterized by higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. Glucose is a source of energy for all the cells in your body and comes from the food you eat. 

When glucose enters the bloodstream, it triggers the pancreas to release insulin, the hormone that moves glucose from the blood into the cell. People with diabetes either don’t make insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or the insulin is unable to do its job (Type 2 diabetes).

Too much glucose in the blood damages blood vessels and organs, putting you at risk of other health problems like cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and retinopathy (vision loss).

Diabetes is a chronic disease, so it’s with you for life. The goal of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels within normal range to reduce body damage and health complications. 

Alliance Primary Care is a full-service primary care practice that diagnoses and manages diabetes.

Diabetes runs in my family. What screening tests do I need?

A family history of diabetes increases your risk of developing this chronic health condition. Danielle can talk to you about the types of screening tests she offers for people at risk for diabetes. Alliance Primary Care has onsite lab testing and at-home tests.

Screening tests for diabetes may include:

Hemoglobin A1C (A1C)

The A1C test is a blood test that averages blood glucose levels over the past three months. A higher-than-normal A1C is a good indicator of diabetes. This test also helps Danielle monitor your treatment plan. 

Fasting blood glucose

A fasting blood glucose checks your blood glucose levels after an 8-hour fast. Danielle performs this test to determine your baseline blood glucose numbers.

Random blood glucose

A random blood glucose check tests your blood glucose level at any time. You don’t fast for this test so Danielle can see how your usual eating and activity habits influence your blood glucose numbers. 

What can I do to manage my diabetes?

Danielle takes a patient-focused approach to diabetes management. She partners with you, creating plans that work with your lifestyle, blood glucose numbers, and health needs. Diabetes management may include:

• Nutrition therapy
• An exercise program
• Stress management
• Medication management
• Weight loss

Diabetes requires your active participation, but it’s not something you need to manage all on your own. 

Call Alliance Primary Care today or book an appointment online for inclusive care from a practitioner who cares.