What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to the produced insulin. Diabetes can lead to severe problems if not treated correctly.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows glucose or sugar to enter the cells. Insulin is responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream to other cells in the body. Without insulin, the body does not have enough glucose to use for energy.
How Does Diabetes Work?
Typically, the body breaks down most of our food into glucose, the body’s main source of energy. Glucose requires the help of insulin in order to move into the cells of the body. A person without diabetes naturally produces enough insulin to do this which obviously isn’t the case for someone with diabetes. This causes glucose to build up in the blood instead of moving into the cells. Serious health problems can occur if too much glucose builds up in the blood. Although diabetes can lead to serious complications, it can be successfully managed through diet, lifestyle modifications or medication.
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"Absolutely unbelievable visit!!!! I was refered by my hematologist whom I trust and respect. I was looking for an understanding endocrinologist for a very long time. I could not believe that after five minutes doctor understood my concerns and started tests. I believe that Dr. Eytan will help me. Her professionalism, bedside manners and willingness to help are real and on the high level. I am very satisfied and looking forward to new visits. EXCELLENT!!!"
What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes?
While type 1 diabetes usually develops throughout childhood or adolescence, it can also occur during adulthood. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes may not require insulin. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes symptoms may consist of:
- Unusual weight loss
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent urination
- Frequent infections
- Blurry vision
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Cuts of bruises that heal slowly
- Recurring skin, mouth, vaginal or bladder infections
What Are The Risk Factors For Diabetes?
The exact cause of diabetes is not clear but there are risk factors leading to increased chances of developing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes risk factors include; the presence of autoantibodies (damaging immune system cells), family history of diabetes, as well as environmental factors.
Risks for developing type 2 diabetes increase with age and may consist of:
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Low level of HDL cholesterol
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
We offer a full range of diagnostic testing at our office including:
What Treatment Options Are Available For Diabetes?
At Park Avenue Endocrinology and Nutrition, we are expert diabetologists. We use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and manage patients with diabetes, Type 1 and 2. Guided by initial history and physical exam, our team performs a panel of comprehensive tests including Hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and C-peptide levels to properly diagnose diabetes. We are able to closely monitor patients by downloading blood sugar monitoring device measurements onto our computers.
Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes:
We have a special interest in managing patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Patients can improve control using a variety of insulin pumps and simplify their regimen and lives. State-of-the-art continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) are now available in the office to refine treatment patterns. Individualization remains paramount, and our practice offers all available options to patients. We have an onsite Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) to assist with chronic management.
Type 1 diabetes can be sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes since it is typically diagnosed in children. However, Type 1 can also affect adults. Type 1 diabetes is a direct result of an autoimmune disease where the body attacked the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells. This disables the body’s ability to produce insulin.
Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of preventable diabetes. This is affected by factors such as obesity, age, and family history. While the body may still produce enough insulin, it cannot use it effectively and overtime, production decreases.
For patients with Type 2 Diabetes, through our state of the art testing, we can design an accurate, comprehensive plan that combines diet, exercise, and medication to ensure excellent control. In many cases, patients can be taken off insulin and/or medications when appropriate diets are followed.
Complications Of Diabetes
When not treated properly, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. In addition, it may lead to permanent eye, foot, skin and bone damage. It is important for people who have diabetes to take an active approach in managing their condition. Living a healthy lifestyle and monitoring blood glucose levels are necessary in order to prevent any possible complications.
Schedule A Consultation With Our Practice!
If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services we provide, please call us at 212-772-7628 . To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced doctors, contact us today by clicking here.
