Diabetes Specialist
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Allied Healthcare Physicians
Internal Medicine & Physician Assistants located in Westchester, Mamaroneck, NY & The Bronx, NY
Diabetes is a common chronic disease, affecting almost 10% of the population in the United States. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health complications, which is why early screening and treatment are so important. At Allied Healthcare Physicians, internal medicine physician Eyad Hijazin, MD, and his experienced medical team prevent, diagnose, and treat diabetes to maximize your quality of life. They offer three convenient locations in Mamaroneck and New Rochelle, New York, as well as City Island in the Bronx in New York City. Call any of their offices for an appointment today or schedule one online.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition causing blood glucose, or blood sugar, to become higher than it should. High blood sugar can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. But with early diagnosis and treatment, people with diabetes can live long, healthy lives.
What are the different types of diabetes?
If you suffer from diabetes, you have one of the following types:
Type 1 diabetes
When you have type 1 diabetes your body doesn’t make enough insulin to properly control blood sugar. This type of diabetes commonly occurs in childhood or adolescence, but it can happen at any age.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body makes insulin but can’t use it properly because cells in your body don’t respond well to the insulin. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in middle-aged and older adults but can happen at any age. This condition can be reversible with lifestyle changes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, and might go away after delivery.
Pre-diabetes
If you have pre-diabetes your blood sugar levels are high but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. This condition is often reversible with lifestyle changes.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Some people have a genetic predisposition to develop diabetes but environmental and lifestyle factors play roles, too. Risk factors for developing diabetes include:
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Increased age
- High blood pressure
- High triglyceride levels
Complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes include heart disease, nerve damage, and depression. You may also experience problems with your kidneys, eyes, hearing, or feet.
Diabetes in pregnancy puts your baby at risk of excessive growth, low blood sugar, and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
How is diabetes treated?
The diabetes treatment that best matches your needs depends on the type of diabetes you have. You may require:
- Insulin injections
- Oral diabetes medications
- Both insulin injections and oral medications
- Lifestyle changes
Your doctor might recommend you lose weight, exercise more, and eat a nutritious diet rich in fiber, low in carbohydrates, and free from added sugar.
If you take insulin, eat at certain times of the day based on your insulin schedule. Monitor blood sugar regularly to make sure you’re properly managing the disease.
Don’t let uncontrolled diabetes or pre-diabetes ruin your quality of life when simple treatment options are within reach. Call Allied Healthcare Physicians for an appointment today or schedule one online.
