diabetes

diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a common medical problem, affecting nearly 10% of people in the United States. At Essential Medical Clinic in the Westlake, Downtown, and Athens neighborhoods of Los Angeles, California, Pouya Bahrami, DO, help you effectively manage diabetes to lower your risk of complications. Schedule an appointment with Essential Medical Clinic over the phone or online today..

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Some common symptoms you might experience with diabetes include:

  • Extreme hunger
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Irritability 
  • Fatigue
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Frequent infections
  • Blurred vision

 

If it’s left untreated, diabetes can cause problems with your heart, kidneys, feet, eyes, nerves, skin, hearing, and mood. The disease is associated with a higher risk of dementia and depression. That’s why seeking treatment at the first sign of diabetes is important

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes commonly develops in children, and Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults older than age 40. Common risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:
  • Family history of diabetes
  • Older age
  • Obesity
  • Inactivity
  • Poor dietary habits
  • High blood pressure
  • High triglycerides
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and eating nutritious foods keeps your risk of diabetes as low as possible.

What test diagnoses diabetes?

The team at Essential Medical Clinic can diagnose diabetes using a blood test. They review your symptoms, check your vital signs, discuss your medical history, and complete a physical exam. Your doctor may have you complete additional diagnostic tests to detect or rule out certain medical problems

What does diabetes management entail?

To properly manage diabetes, the experts at Essential Medical Clinic offer:

  • Diabetes counseling

Knowing which foods to eat, how often to exercise, and other healthy lifestyle tips is one of the best ways to get blood sugar levels under control. If you’re overweight, losing weight helps you better manage the disease. 

  • Medications

Taking oral diabetes medications, receiving insulin injections, or both helps keep blood sugar in check to prevent diabetes complications.

  • Self-monitoring

It’s important to monitor blood sugar routinely at home to make sure your treatment is working as it’s supposed to. During office visits at Essential Medical Clinic, your doctor evaluates average levels to check blood sugar control over time.

Don’t live with undiagnosed, untreated diabetes and its complications. If you’re at risk of diabetes or you already have the disease, schedule an appointment with Essential Medical Clinic by phone or online today.