Diabetes

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner located in Columbia Falls, MT

Diabetes Services Offered In Columbia Falls, MT

Managing diabetes is challenging, but with the right care, you can enjoy a long, healthy life. At Hometown Clinic in Columbia Falls, Montana, board-certified family nurse practitioner Angela St John, FNP-BC, is an advocate for individualized, inclusive diabetes management. Angela’s experience with diabetes care hits close to home. In addition to her experience as a health care provider, Angela has had type 1 diabetes since age 6, so she understands the unique challenges and obstacles individuals with this chronic disease face. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to get the compassionate care you deserve.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate glucose (sugar) efficiently. Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, allows your body’s cells to use glucose for energy. When you have diabetes, your pancreas either doesn’t make insulin, or your body doesn’t use it properly. Glucose is the body’s primary source of fuel. When you can’t use it efficiently, it builds in your blood and damages your blood vessels while depleting your energy. Diabetes is dangerous without proper management. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels leave you vulnerable to serious health complications, such as stroke, vision problems, kidney damage, and heart disease.

Are there different types of diabetes?

The four types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease typically diagnosed during childhood. It means your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. As a Type 1 diabetic for more than 30 years, Angela understands the importance of providing timely, accurate information on managing this lifelong condition.

Type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes usually develops later in life and is often the result of lifestyle habits such as poor diet, inactivity, and smoking. If you have Type 2 diabetes, Angela creates a plan to maintain your health and prevent complications.

Gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. While the condition typically resolves after childbirth, it can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes Angela may diagnose you with prediabetes if you have consistently high blood sugar levels, but they aren’t quite high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. Lifestyle changes are critical at this stage, as prediabetes is often reversible. Reversing prediabetes keeps you from having the risks associated with a diabetes diagnosis.

How is diabetes treated?

Angela takes a dynamic approach to diabetes management. After being told by medical professionals at age 10 that her life would be short and she wouldn’t be able to have children, Angela became an advocate for diabetes care. Staying up-to-date on the latest approaches to treating diabetes has given Angela a long, fulfilling life with two beautiful daughters. After a comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic testing, Angela may recommend:

  • Finger stick hemoglobin testing
  • A1C testing (readings available in seven minutes)
  • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking, etc.)
  • Medications
  • Diabetic foot care
  • Weight management
Diabetes symptoms are manageable with proper care and guidance. If you or a loved one struggles with diabetes, call Hometown Clinic or schedule an appointment online to begin your journey toward better health and improved diabetes management.