Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that impacts the way your body processes sugar. Sugar (glucose) is the primary fuel for every process in the body. A healthy body uses insulin, made in the pancreas, to transport sugar from your bloodstream into your cells where it’s used for energy. 

Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas doesn't create any or enough insulin. Without adequate insulin levels, sugar collects in your bloodstream, and over time, it severely damages your cells and tissues throughout the body. 

What are two types of diabetes?

The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

With Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn't produce any insulin. This condition is not reversible, and treatment includes careful blood sugar regulation, dietary changes, and insulin injections. 

Type 2 diabetes

With Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn't produce enough insulin for your body's needs, or it doesn’t properly use the insulin you have. This condition is often linked with obesity and is reversible with a healthy diet, medications, and weight control. 

Patients with diabetes need to work closely with their health care providers to keep their blood sugar within healthy levels. Having diabetes significantly increases your health risks, so the condition must have long-term, expert management. 

How does diabetes affect my health risks?

When you have uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes, your tissues can't function properly. 

Diabetes can impact every system of your body and could significantly increase your risks for: 

• Heart and vascular disease
• Heart attack and stroke
• Kidney disease
• Frequent infections
• Nonhealing wounds
• Neurological disease
• Hearing and vision loss 
  
  

The key to lowering your risks with diabetes is consistent, quality management over your lifetime. 

How do I manage my diabetes?

When you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the team at Seby Medical Center works closely with you to develop a care plan to keep your blood sugar under control.

Your diabetes management plan may include: 

• Nutrition counseling
• Insulin injections 
• Oral medications
• Laboratory testing
• At-home blood sugar checks
• Exercise plans
  
  

One of the essential elements of diabetes management is education and empowering you to protect your health in every way possible. Dr. Joseph and Dr. Vyas are committed to helping you control and manage your diabetes throughout your lifetime. 

For diabetes support, call the office or schedule an appointment online today with Seby Medical Center.