Diabetes

Managing diabetes involves medications as well as changes in your diet and lifestyle to promote long-term health. In Palm Desert, California, preventive medicine specialist Asma Kazi, MD, provides diagnostic services for diabetes as well as individualized diabetes management care plans at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc.. Schedule your visit by phone or online at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc. today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that raises the level of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Consistently high blood glucose can lead to many health complications because it damages the organs and tissues throughout your body, so managing diabetes with consistent preventive care is crucial. 

There are a few types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes usually presents in early childhood and is an autoimmune disorder. If you have it, your immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce a hormone called insulin. Insulin facilitates the transfer of blood glucose into cells so they can use it as energy.

People with Type 2 diabetes usually get a diagnosis later in life. It develops due to insulin resistance, which means your pancreas still produces insulin, but your cells can’t use it efficiently. This type is the most common and is linked to lifestyle factors like an imbalanced diet or a lack of exercise. 

Gestational diabetes is similar to Type 2 diabetes but only affects you during pregnancy. Even though it goes away after you give birth, it leaves you at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. 

What are some of the earliest signs of diabetes?

Early signs of diabetes are similar among the types, though there are a few small distinctions. Some symptoms you should be aware of are:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased hunger
• Dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness in your hands and feet
• Blurry vision
• Weakness
• Tiredness

Symptoms like these can be due to other conditions as well, so visiting ASMA M KAZI MD INC for a medical diagnosis is crucial. Your provider uses blood tests to measure the amount of glucose in your blood, which helps lead to a diabetes diagnosis. 

How can I manage my diabetes?

Individualized long-term care can prevent serious complications from diabetes, like ulcers, vision loss, neuropathy, and cardiovascular issues. ASMA M KAZI MD INC develops your treatment plan and coaches you on the lifestyle changes to manage your diabetes. 

Diet and lifestyle changes are essential for any diabetes care plan. Your provider encourages you to limit or cut out high-calorie and high-fat foods while focusing on fiber and nutrient-rich foods. Exercise is important as well as smoking cessation and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. 

Everyone with Type 1 diabetes and some people with Type 2 must take insulin to reduce blood glucose levels. Your provider teaches you to monitor your insulin levels to help guide your decisions on what to eat and when to take various medications. 

Explore the medications and treatments available for any kind of diabetes by scheduling an appointment over the phone or online at ASMA M KAZI MD INC today.