Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems, and almost 10% of the United States population has diabetes. More than 33% of U.S. adults have prediabetes, the first stage of diabetes, and most don’t know they have it. At Diligent Medical Care, PC, in Union City, New Jersey, Mohammad Chaudhry, MD, and Sharon Mirante, APN, screen for and treat prediabetes and diabetes to boost your quality of life and prevent serious health complications. Book an appointment by phone or online today.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes blood sugar levels to be higher than normal. The sugar in your blood, which comes from the food you eat, serves as fuel for your cells. Insulin is a hormone produced in your pancreas that helps get sugar from your blood into your cells.
If you have diabetes, either your body isn’t making enough insulin or your body isn’t able to properly use the insulin you do make, resulting in elevated blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels remain high, you may develop other health issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, or neuropathy, which is a condition that affects your nerve endings.
There are three primary types of diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes and often occurs as you get older. You may be at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you have a family history of diabetes or if you’re overweight or obese.
Diabetes can cause a number of symptoms, but the severity of your symptoms may depend on the type of diabetes you have. With Type 1 diabetes, the symptoms tend to be severe and come on suddenly, while in Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are more subtle and may go unnoticed.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
With Diligent Medical Care, PC, serving as your internal medicine team, they can help you stay on top of your health and your risk of diabetes. During your annual physical exam, they can run a simple blood test to measure your blood sugar levels and determine if you’re at risk of developing diabetes. You may be able to prevent diabetes by making changes to your lifestyle.
Diligent Medical Care, PC, provides individualized treatment for your diabetes based on your symptoms, blood sugar levels, overall health, and lifestyle. Your treatment plan may include:
If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight may help lower your blood sugar and decrease your need for medication. Diligent Medical Care, PC, works closely with you to determine the best treatment plan to help you control your diabetes.
To get expert help with your diabetes, call Diligent Medical Care, PC, today or request a consultation online.