Diabetes Specialist
Healthstone Primary Care
Primary Care Practice & Geriatrics located in Weston, FL, Davie, FL, & Pembroke Pines, FL
More than 10 percent of Americans have some form of diabetes – either insulin-dependent or Type 1 diabetes, or non-insulin-dependent or Type II diabetes. If you’ve already been diagnosed or you’re concerned you may be developing this disease, contact the expert physicians at Healthstone Primary Care in Weston, Pembroke Pines, or Davie, Florida, to put your mind at ease and manage your diabetes. Call the office or book online for your appointment.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the pancreas and causes it to make little to no insulin. In order for the body to work the way it’s supposed to, glucose needs to be converted from food into energy. Insulin is essential for the conversion of 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: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
For people with 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
For people with 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, but it’s increasingly common in young people.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. You can protect your baby and yourself by taking action right away to control your blood glucose levels.
How is diabetes managed?
There’s no cure for diabetes, but you can effectively manage its symptoms with a combination of medication and careful life changes, supported by the team at Healthstone Primary.
Eating well, exercising regularly, reducing your alcohol intake, cutting out smoking, and losing weight can all make significant improvements to your health.
Your medication requirements will vary, depending on the type of diabetes you have. If you have Type 1 diabetes, you will typically have to have insulin shots every day for the rest of your life. If you have Type 2 diabetes, while you may receive medication initially to treat severe symptoms, the long-term goal is to get you to a stage where you can manage your symptoms purely through healthy lifestyle choices.
At all times, the team at Healthstone Primary works with you to closely monitor your blood sugar levels.
Most people with diabetes manage their disease and lead normal lives. Call Healthstone Primary today to discuss your specific needs and treatment options, or make an appointment online.