Diabetes Specialist

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the pancreas causing it to make little to no insulin. For our bodies to work the way they are supposed to, glucose needs to be converted from food into energy. Insulin is essential for the conversion of the glucose. A person with diabetes will no longer produce insulin in a sufficient manner. When this happens, unhealthy levels of glucose remain in the body and can lead to long term and short term health complications.

What are the Types of Diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes: 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.

• Type 1 Diabetes - the pancreas makes little or no insulin. A person with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive. This type occurs most often in people who are under 30 years old.
• Type 2 Diabetes - insulin is made but it doesn't work as it should. Nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type occurs most often in people who are over 40 years old and overweight.
• Gestational Diabetes - gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy usually late term. You can protect your baby and yourself by taking action right away to control your blood glucose levels.

How is Diabetes Managed?

Though there is no cure for diabetes it can be managed through proper diet, exercise, and medication when necessary. People with diabetes must keep a close monitor on their blood sugar levels using home and office tests.

• Type 1 Diabetes is controlled with:
  • Insulin shots
  • Meal planning
  • Exercise
• Type 2 Diabetes is controlled with:
  • Diet and exercise
  • Medicine taken by mouth
  • Insulin shots
• Gestational Diabetes is controlled with:
  • Healthy eating
  • Physical activity
  • Insulin shots, if needed

Most people with diabetes manage their disease and lead normal lives. Contact the office today to discuss your specific needs and treatment options.