Diabetes Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes involves blood glucose (sugar) levels that rise higher than normal. 

The insulin hormone and blood sugar levels play a major role in this complex condition. Insulin is a hormone created in your pancreas. The insulin hormone is required by your cells to absorb glucose, which your cells use as energy.

Diabetes is an umbrella term with different types. Type 1 diabetes involves the pancreas producing no or very little insulin. Without adequate insulin, your cells can’t absorb the glucose in your bloodstream. 

Your pancreas is producing insulin with Type 2 diabetes, but your cells don’t use it properly (insulin resistance). This leads to a buildup of glucose in your bloodstream (high blood sugar levels).

Over time, elevated blood glucose significantly damages your blood vessels. Your blood vessels carry nourishment to your organs, nerves, and other tissues in your body.

How does diabetes affect my health and wellness?

Diabetes comes with various risks and complications, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure and dysfunction (nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Eye damage (retinopathy)
• Vision loss
• Hearing impairment
• Alzheimer's disease

It’s helpful to control your blood sugar and manage your diabetes symptoms to reduce these risks. In some cases, you can experience remission of Type 2 diabetes when you follow an effective treatment plan, often one that merges healthy lifestyle changes with the right professional medical care.

How is diabetes treated?

When treating your diabetes, Dr. Shapiro’s objective is to normalize your blood sugar levels and prevent any associated complications.

Type 1 diabetes typically requires insulin injections to replace the insulin hormone your pancreas can no longer produce. It might be possible to properly manage Type 2 diabetes without medication in some cases. 

Depending on a number of factors like the type and severity of your diabetes, Dr. Shapiro could recommend:

• An optimal nutrition plan that limits sugary foods
• Increased physical activity and exercise coaching
• Blood glucose testing
• Prescription medication
• Prescription insulin
• Diabetes education classes
• Weight loss when necessary
• Certain medications when necessary like anti-inflammatories

Convenient in-office testing and routine lab studies are available to monitor your long-term blood sugar and other important things related to your diabetes. 

Our team spends plenty of time discussing your condition and available treatments during your personal consultation. We provide diabetic education, including ongoing support and practical guidelines for managing your diabetes.

Boost your overall health and take control of your diabetes. Call Brighton Beach Medical Group.