Blog
Diabetes
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or becomes resistant to insulin's effects (Type 2). Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, organs, and nerves, leading to serious health complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms often appear suddenly, while Type 2 may develop gradually and go unnoticed for years until complications arise.
Causes
Causes depend on the type: Type 1 is autoimmune, where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. Type 2 involves insulin resistance and pancreatic burnout, often influenced by genetics, poor diet, obesity, and inactivity. Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal shifts during pregnancy.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include family history, being overweight, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and certain ethnicities. In gestational diabetes, risk increases with age, excess weight, and prior high-birth-weight babies.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made using fasting blood sugar, A1C levels, oral glucose tolerance test, or random glucose checks. Values above specific thresholds confirm diagnosis. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and self-testing are used for management.
Treatments
Treatment depends on type. Type 1 requires insulin therapy. Type 2 often starts with lifestyle changes and oral medications like metformin, with insulin added later if needed. Monitoring blood sugar, diet, and physical activity are critical to prevent complications.
Prevention
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes is possible through weight management, regular physical activity, and a low-glycemic diet. Early screening for at-risk individuals allows for lifestyle interventions before diabetes develops. Type 1 cannot be prevented but can be managed effectively.
Our Take
Covenant’s diabetes care integrates medication management, nutritional coaching, and metabolic optimization. We go beyond glycemic control to address root causes and reduce the long-term burden of diabetes-related damage across the body.
Diabetes is more than a blood sugar issue—it’s a whole-body metabolic disorder. With Covenant’s support, you can manage or even reverse its course through targeted care and lifestyle change.
