Diabetes. This word has developed such a negative connotation over the years, that it has made patients hesitant to come to the doctor’s office or mention certain symptoms to their providers. Yes, this is a chronic condition and does require close monitoring and lifestyle changes. However, with the help of your providers at Montgomery Family Care, this condition can be well managed. Diabetes is a condition in which your pancreas either does not produce enough insulin, or your body does not properly use the insulin that is produced. This creates an imbalance of glucose or sugar in your body.
Sugar is used as a fuel in your body, and too much or too little of it can make you feel very ill. Some common symptoms of diabetes included increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, and feeling very tired. We can do simple blood tests to determine whether you have diabetes. Depending on the severity, this can frequently be managed with diet, exercise, and oral medications. Even if you have complicated diabetes and require daily insulin or an insulin pump, Dr. Kassis and the staff can manage your disease without needing specialist referrals.
Long term complications of diabetes include heart disease, strokes, and kidney disease. Diabetes can also affect your vision, blood flow and mental health. With the help of your providers, we can mitigate the risk, and aid you in living a long and healthy life.
While type 1 diabetes is genetic and not preventable, type 2 diabetes can frequently be prevented by making some lifestyle changes. These include but are not limited to, increased exercise, weight loss, and proper diet. While there is a recommended diet to follow for diabetes, you are still able to eat a broad array of foods. Some examples of food that are good to eat if you have diabetes include whole grains like brown rice, rice, non-starchy vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, spinach, broccoli, citrus fruits, proteins, and low-fat dairy. Things to avoid include pasta, white bread, sugary cereal, honey, and candy.
Exercise to help prevent and manage your diabetes can also come in a variety of forms. While vigorous exercise is very beneficial, simply taking a daily walk is also helpful. Activities such as swimming, yoga, Pilates, and weightlifting can also provide a great benefit. If you are not able to do some of these activities, there are a variety of workouts that you can do from a seated position that will still benefit your health.
In summary, our staff at Montogmery Family Care would be honored for you to choose us to help manage your diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes, have any of the symptoms listed above, or would simply like to be assessed for this chronic condition, please make an appointment to come and talk with one of our providers. Together, we can manage your diabetes as a team, and help you achieve the best health outcomes possible.
