Marlon Wilkerson noticed some troubling changes in his body. He was constantly parched, his mouth felt like cotton, and trips to the bathroom became far too frequent. Adding to his concern, he was losing weight unexpectedly and his vision was becoming blurry.
“At 46, I was constantly tired and felt completely depleted for weeks,” Marlon recalls. “I initially dismissed it as a bug and tried to push through with pain relievers.”
However, when his symptoms persisted, Marlon wisely sought medical attention at Atrium Health Urgent Care Indian Trail. There, tests revealed a startling truth: Marlon’s blood sugar levels were dangerously high, a condition known as hyperglycemia. While levels at or above 300 mg/dL are cause for alarm, Marlon’s reading soared to a critical 475 mg/dL.
“The urgent care physician immediately told me I needed to go to the emergency room,” Marlon explains. “Lowering my blood sugar became the immediate priority. After my release from the ER, I was advised to schedule a follow-up with a primary care doctor. Having recently moved to North Carolina, I didn’t have one yet. So, I promptly found a primary care physician and booked an appointment.”
The Confirmation: Diabetes Diagnosis
Marlon chose Dr. Taisiya Netrebko at Atrium Health Primary Care Dove Internal Medicine for his ongoing care. Dr. Netrebko conducted further tests to understand the root of Marlon’s hyperglycemia.
“The A1c test is an essential tool,” explains Dr. Netrebko. “This simple blood test provides a picture of average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It’s invaluable for diagnosing prediabetes, Type 1, or Type 2 diabetes, and for monitoring how effectively a patient is managing existing diabetes.” Marlon’s A1c result was alarmingly high – exceeding 14%.
The generally accepted A1c targets are:
- Normal: Under 5.7%
- Prediabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
- Diabetes: Over 6.5%
Based on these results, Marlon received a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
It’s important to distinguish between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes as they have different causes and management approaches.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in the pancreas ceasing insulin production. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable or reversible and is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors like viruses.
In contrast, Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance. While the pancreas still produces insulin, the body’s cells become less responsive to it. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity. Crucially, Type 2 diabetes is often preventable and manageable through lifestyle modifications. Many individuals can significantly improve their condition, and even achieve normal blood sugar levels and reduce or eliminate medication, by adopting healthier eating habits, losing weight, exercising regularly, and adhering to prescribed medications. In some instances, dietary changes alone can be enough to normalize blood sugar levels to the point where medication is no longer needed.
Recognizing Diabetes Symptoms and Seeking Timely Treatment
Marlon’s experience highlighted classic diabetes symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision. Other common symptoms can include increased hunger, irritability and mood changes, and slow-healing cuts and bruises. However, Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be subtle, developing gradually with minimal or no noticeable symptoms. In these cases, diagnosis may occur incidentally during routine blood or urine tests.
Dr. Netrebko emphasizes, “Because diabetes often develops slowly, patients may not experience overt symptoms initially. Diagnosis can sometimes be an unexpected finding during routine bloodwork. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, effective treatments are available to manage the condition. These include oral medications, injectable antihyperglycemic medications, and insulin therapy.”
Managing Diabetes: Lifestyle and Medication
For individuals like Marlon, managing diabetes is an ongoing commitment that involves careful attention to diet and lifestyle. Certain foods can cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making dietary management a cornerstone of diabetes care. Regular exercise is also vital for weight control and blood sugar regulation.
“I was genuinely surprised by the diagnosis,” Marlon admits. “Neither of my parents has diabetes; only my grandmother did. The news was definitely a wake-up call, and I knew I needed to make changes.”
Marlon embraced these changes, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into his diet and committing to exercise five days a week, including regular three-to-five-mile walks.
Dr. Netrebko cautions, “Neglecting diabetes management can lead to serious health complications affecting the entire body. The risks include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, eye problems, blindness, and kidney damage, potentially leading to dialysis. There’s also an increased susceptibility to infections and, in severe cases, amputation. Patients often hope for a quick fix, a ‘magic pill,’ but unfortunately, diabetes management requires sustained effort and lifestyle adjustments.”
Two years post-diagnosis, Marlon is successfully managing his Type 2 diabetes. He understands that this is an ongoing journey, not a cure.
“I was overweight before my diagnosis. Since then, I’ve lost 40 pounds and significantly reduced my intake of sugary drinks. I’ve had to buy new clothes and even get some altered! I feel considerably better and have been able to decrease my medication from five pills daily to two. I continue to see Dr. Netrebko for check-ups every six months.”
To proactively manage your health and well-being, partner with an Atrium Health family medicine or internal medicine provider. They offer comprehensive care encompassing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, working collaboratively with you to achieve your healthiest life. Contact them 24/7 at 1-844-235-6997 or schedule your appointment online.
