Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar, also known as glucose. During digestion and metabolism, your body turns some of the food you eat into glucose, which your cells then use for energy.

When you have diabetes, your body can’t get the glucose from your blood to supply energy to your cells because your body doesn’t make enough insulin, which is hormone in your pancreas that assists in the transport of glucose, or isn’t able to use the insulin it does make, causing high glucose levels in the blood. The excess glucose may damage your blood vessels and lead to health problems such as heart or kidney disease, nerve damage, or difficulty seeing.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, but Dr. Madapati can help improve your blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of complications.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are three common types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes: People with Type 1 diabetes can’t make enough insulin. Children and teens are most often affected by Type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes: If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body isn’t able to use the insulin it does make. Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, although it most commonly occurs in adults.
• Gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.

Knowing the type of diabetes you have helps Dr. Madapati direct her care, especially with medication recommendations.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

Dr. Madapati conducts blood tests to determine if you have diabetes. But certain symptoms may clue you in that it’s time to get a checkup.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Extreme hunger and thirst
• Frequent urination
• Tingling in the hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability

The severity of your symptoms may depend on your blood sugar levels. Identifying diabetes early may help prevent complications. Don’t wait until your symptoms get worse to schedule an appointment with Dr. Madapati.

How can I improve my blood sugar?

Dr. Madapati uses a combination of diet, medication, and lifestyle changes to help you gain better control of your blood glucose levels. These changes not only improve your blood sugar levels, but may also reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels.

For medical management of your diabetes, call Medwell Medical and Aesthetic or schedule an appointment online today.