Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin. This condition affects an estimated 20.8 million people in the US – nearly 7 percent of the population. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the US and is a growing disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in three people born in 2000 will be affected by diabetes. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it can often be successfully managed through dedicated, lifelong treatment.

When we eat, our body breaks down most of our food into glucose, a sugar in our blood that is the main source of energy. The glucose from food travels into the bloodstream with the help of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Our body usually produces enough insulin to move the glucose into the bloodstream, but this process does not work properly in people with diabetes. The pancreas either produces little to no insulin, or the insulin is not utilized properly. This causes a buildup of glucose that then passes out through the urine and does not fuel the body.

There are several different types of diabetes, some of which include:

• Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself. In this case, the body attacks the insulin-producing cells and requires people to take daily insulin injections in order to live.
• Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is affected by age, obesity and family history. Although the pancreas usually produces enough insulin, the body cannot use it effectively and production slowly decreases.
• Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but you can prevent or delay the diagnosis by losing weight.
• Gestational Diabetes occurs in women during late stages of pregnancy and involves a shortage of insulin. Most cases disappear at the end of the pregnancy, but this puts women at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later on.

Diabetes is diagnosed by testing the blood glucose levels. These tests may be performed after fasting, after drinking a beverage high in glucose or randomly. If the blood glucose level is above a certain amount, depending on the conditions of the test, a diabetes diagnosis can be confirmed.

People with diabetes can manage the condition through lifestyle changes, medications, daily insulin injections and glucose level monitoring. Eating healthy and engaging in regular physical activity helps to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It is important for people with diabetes to take an active role in the management of their condition. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in preventing episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Many diabetes patients work with a team of specialists to take full control of their condition.

If not treated properly, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It can also cause permanent eye, foot, skin and bone damage. A lifelong commitment is needed in order to prevent these complications. With practice and dedication, your daily treatment can quickly become just another part of your everyday routine.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are high but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Patients with this condition may already be experiencing the heart damage caused by diabetes, and may notice early symptoms such as darkened areas of skin, increased thirst and urination, fatigue and blurred vision. Pre-diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is very important to diagnose this condition early as weight loss and in some cases medications can prevent or delay the progression to diabetes and its complications.

For more information, click on links below:

• American Diabetes Association
• The Hormone Foundation®

Diabetes Management

To successfully manage diabetes and reduce the risk of serious complications, patients must be fully educated about their condition and committed to a lifetime of daily treatment. Your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan for you based on your individual condition. We proudly offer our patients comprehensive diabetes care, including:

• Diabetes Care & Information Center – Queens Diabetes & Endocrinology, P.C. has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education*. Certified nutritionists and nurses help patients understand the cause of the disease and how to best take care of themselves.
• Insulin pump therapy – a device that delivers a continuous flow of insulin to the body as needed, eliminating the need for injections. We can instruct patients on how to use this state of the art device to manage their diabetes.
• Continuous glucose monitoring – a tiny sensor placed under the skin to monitor blood sugar levels every 5 minutes and send the data to an associated wireless device. It helps attain better blood sugar control.
• Instant hemoglobin A1c results – reflects the average blood sugar level over a three month period. The results become available at the time of the visit and help determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
• Neuropathy testing (nerve conduction velocity) – NCV test can determine whether there is presence of nerve damage from diabetes or other causes.
• Screening for diabetes complications – we can test patients for the presence of autonomic neuropathy which can include nerve damage to the heart and lead to silent heart attacks.
• Clinical diabetes research trials – we offer patients the latest treatment options for diabetes through clinical research trials performed safely in our office. For further information, please call Mari Tsovian or Maria Patruno at 718.661.2536.

Comprehensive management of diabetes also includes treating hypertension and high cholesterol to reduce the risk for heart attacks and stroke. We remain actively involved in the treatment of our diabetes patients on an ongoing basis to ensure the most advanced and effective treatment is being administered for their individual condition. To learn more about our diabetes management services, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

Common terms

Hemoglobin A1c

A lab test that measures one’s average blood glucose level over the previous 3 months.

Beta cell

The cells (located in the pancreas) that make insulin.

Blood glucose/blood sugar level (BG/BS)

The level of glucose/sugar in one’s blood. Blood glucose levels are measured in milligrams per

deciliter, or mg/dL.

Blood glucose meter (glucometer, meter)

The machine people with diabetes use to check blood glucose levels.

Body mass index (BMI)

A measurement that determines body fat amount by comparing height to weight.

Carbohydrate

The macronutrient in food that provides energy and causes blood glucose levels to rise.

Carbohydrate counting

One method of meal planning that people with diabetes may follow.

Hyperglycemia

When blood glucose levels are elevated above normal limits.

Hypoglycemia

When blood glucose levels fall below normal limits. A blood glucose reading less than 70 mg/dL is

considered hypoglycemic.

Insulin

The hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin allows the body to use glucose for

Ketone

A chemical produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of carbohydrate. Ketones

are formed when there is a shortage of insulin.

Lancet

The needle used to poke the skin to generate a sample of blood for blood glucose monitoring.

Nephrologist

A doctor who specializes in caring for the kidneys.

Neurologist

A physician who specializes in neurology.

Pancreas

The organ that makes insulin.

Podiatrist

A doctor who specializes in foot care.

Sugar alcohols

Artificial sweeteners that may cause a small rise in blood glucose levels.