Diabetes

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that involves your insulin levels, a hormone connected to your metabolism. Your pancreas can normally release insulin to help your body regulate sugar levels from what you eat, but with diabetes, your body either doesn’t respond to insulin or produces very little to no insulin. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, usually takes effect in childhood. It is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to attack its own pancreas, damaging the organ such that it’s unable to produce insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 is the most common type of the condition in the United States as 95% of American adults who have diabetes have Type 2. Obese people are more likely to develop the disease and its noninsulin dependent. Being overweight can make you insulin resistant, which means your pancreas has to work extra hard to produce insulin, and even so it’s not enough to keep sugar levels normal.

Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnancy leads to insulin resistance. Although the disease is uncommon, it’s important to control the insulin levels during a baby’s development. While gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after the pregnancy is over, it does increase the mother’s chances of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the risks of having Diabetes?
The serious risks for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include heart disease and strokes. With gestational diabetes, issues for the baby can arise such as breathing problems, the risk of diabetes later in life, and excessive birth weight. For the mother, risks can include needing a cesarean section and damage, to the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.

How is Diabetes diagnosed and treated?
At Empire Medical Services, your provider administers a blood test to determine if you have diabetes. Dr. Chakote or a member of his team talks to you about treatment plans and strategies to help you live your life to the fullest.

There’s no cure for diabetes. It’s important to live a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and regular exercise, to manage the disease. It may be necessary to take insulin and monitor your blood sugar levels, with the team at Empire Medical Services there with you every step of the way.

Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to find an effective treatment plan to manage your diabetes.