Diabetes Doctor in Kansas City, MO

At Elysian Wellness, we understand that diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose), and early detection is crucial for effective management and long-term wellbeing. Many people are unaware they have diabetes because symptoms can develop gradually and may seem insignificant at first.
 
Common Warning Signs: Some of the most frequently reported symptoms include:

Increased thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar draws extra fluid from your tissues, leading to persistent thirst and more trips to the bathroom—especially at night.
 
Excessive hunger: When glucose can’t efficiently enter your cells, your body signals for more food to try to get the energy it needs.
 
Unexplained weight loss: Particularly in type 1 diabetes, the body may break down muscle and fat for energy, causing noticeable weight loss.
 
Fatigue: Without proper glucose utilization, your body lacks its primary energy source, leaving you feeling unusually tired.
 
Blurred vision: Shifts in fluid levels can affect the lenses of your eyes, causing changes in your vision.
 
Slow-healing sores and frequent infections: High blood sugar can impair your body’s ability to heal, leading to recurrent gum, skin, or other infections.
 
Tingling or numbness in hands or feet: Prolonged high blood sugar can cause nerve damage, resulting in these sensations.

Early and accurate diagnosis of diabetes is crucial for your long-term health. Our experienced medical team uses state-of-the-art blood tests to measure glucose levels and diagnose diabetes. The most common diagnostic tool is the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which involves fasting for at least eight hours before a simple blood draw. If your fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions, this indicates diabetes.
 
We also offer the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at Elysian Wellness. During this test, you’ll drink a special sugary beverage at our facility, and we’ll measure your blood sugar levels two hours later. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher confirms a diabetes diagnosis. Another valuable tool is the hemoglobin A1C test, which reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher on two tests at Elysian Wellness confirms diabetes.
 
Once diagnosed, our team at Elysian Wellness partners with you to ensure ongoing diabetes management and support. We educate patients on using home blood glucose meters and, when appropriate, recommend continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices for real-time insights into your blood sugar trends. During your regular visits, we’ll perform laboratory tests, such as the A1C, every three to six months to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.
 
We also monitor your kidney function, cholesterol levels, and schedule routine eye exams to catch and address any potential diabetes-related complications early. Our holistic approach at Elysian Wellness empowers you to make informed decisions regarding medication, nutrition, and lifestyle—helping you achieve optimal wellness and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

At Elysian Wellness, we understand that diabetes is a complex, chronic medical condition affecting millions of individuals and families. Our integrative approach is designed to support you at every step, from screening and diagnosis to individualized management and ongoing wellness.
 
Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This often develops in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
 
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is often linked to lifestyle factors such as diet, activity level, and weight. Our team offers a comprehensive approach that combines personalized nutrition plans, exercise guidance, medication management, and regular monitoring.
 
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and requires careful management for the health of both mother and baby.
 
Other Forms of Diabetes
We also diagnose and manage less common types such as monogenic diabetes (including maturity-onset diabetes of the young, or MODY) and secondary diabetes resulting from other medical conditions or medications.

How Diabetes Affects Your Health

When your body struggles to regulate blood sugar, whether due to insufficient insulin or poor insulin utilization, every system can be affected. Persistently high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to complications throughout the body.
 
Heart & Vascular Health: People with diabetes are at a greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
 
Kidney Protection: Diabetes can impair kidney function over time. Our team includes specialists who track kidney health markers and design preventive care plans to reduce the risk of diabetic nephropathy and chronic kidney disease.
 
Vision Preservation: Diabetes can damage the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. We coordinate regular screenings for diabetic retinopathy and collaborate with eye care professionals to protect your vision.
 
Nerve Health: Diabetic neuropathy, often causing tingling, numbness, or pain—especially in the feet and hands—is common.
 
Immune Support & Wound Care: Because diabetes lowers your immune defenses, wounds and infections can become more serious.
 
Digestive & Sexual Health: High blood sugar can also affect digestion and sexual function. We address these sensitive issues with empathy and expertise, offering solutions to improve your comfort and quality of life.
 
Personalized Diabetes Management at Elysian Wellness

Our team works with you to create a customized care plan. This may include:

• Nutrition counseling
• Exercise regimens
• Medication management
• Stress reduction techniques
• Regular screenings and lab work
• Education and support for self-care
 
We believe in empowering you to take an active role in your health, so you can prevent complications and live your fullest life with diabetes.
 
If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, Elysian Wellness is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive diabetes evaluation and discover a whole-body approach to better health. For more information, schedule an appointment online. We are located at 2112 East 25th Street, Kansas City, MO 64127. We serve patients from Kansas City MO, Sugar Creek MO, Raytown MO, Independence MO, Gladstone MO, Claycomo MO, Pleasant Valley MO, and surrounding areas.