According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million American adults are living with either diabetes or prediabetes. That number represents nearly 10% of the population, making this a serious health problem. At Central Clinic, Poonam Malhotra, MD, offers comprehensive diabetes care, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. If you’re concerned about your risk or have diabetes, schedule an appointment online or call the Spring Hill, Florida, office today.
Diabetes is a disease characterized by excess sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream. To understand the disease, it helps to know how your body uses sugars to create energy.
Your body converts the food you consume into glucose. A hormone called insulin “unlocks” your cells, allowing the glucose to enter. Without sufficient insulin, glucose remains in your bloodstream, causing numerous health issues.
There are two main types of diabetes:
This occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin due to an immune system malfunction. Usually diagnosed early in life, type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin therapy.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when you’re unable to produce enough insulin or unable to make proper use of the insulin produced. This is far more common than type 1 and usually develops later in life.
In addition to types 1 and 2, some women also develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, a condition that usually clears up after childbirth. Some people with diabetes suffer from low blood sugar levels, which can also lead to health problems.
Researchers believe that a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors cause type 2 diabetes.
Those with a family history of diabetes may have an elevated risk of developing the disease.
Your lifestyle choices also have a direct impact on your diabetes risk. Being overweight or obese greatly increases your risk, especially if you carry weight around your midsection.
Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and should manage their weight and obtain routine screenings.
Certain medications can also influence your body’s use of insulin and can lead to diabetes. That’s why it’s so important to discuss all medication and health issues with your doctor.
Diabetes treatment centers on managing your blood sugar. However, working to improve cholesterol, blood pressure, and other health issues are also important.
Dr. Malhotra creates a customized diabetes treatment program for you. Your path may differ from that of others, but common recommendations include:
Insulin injections are sometimes necessary, while others can manage their condition using oral medications. Dr. Malhotra takes a holistic approach to diabetes care, creating a treatment plan that incorporates multiple tools and lifestyle modifications.
Call Central Clinic to learn more about diabetes management or book an appointment online today.
