Diabetes Management Specialist
Diabetes Management Specialist
Protecting your health when you have diabetes is the focus of diabetes management services available at Jiki Medical Associates, LLC in Rockville, Maryland. The board-certified medical team provides comprehensive diabetes care, including on-site blood testing for your initial diagnosis and customized treatment plans for insulin therapy. If you have concerns about diabetes-related symptoms or need help managing your disease, schedule a consultation at Jiki Medical Associates today through the online booking feature or by calling the office.
Diabetes Management Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body processes the sugar it gets from your diet. In a healthy body, the insulin hormone helps convert the sugar into energy you need to function. When you have diabetes, your body can’t properly process sugar, which results in your blood sugar (glucose) levels remaining high.
The four main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when you can’t make insulin to convert sugar. This condition is often diagnosed in childhood and requires daily management to keep blood sugar levels well-controlled.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use the insulin it has properly. This type of diabetes typically is caused by a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels remain high, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. However, prediabetes dramatically increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes and other health complications.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women, causing high blood sugar levels throughout a pregnancy. This condition usually resolves on its own after the baby is born.
Without proper management, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can result in serious and even life-threatening health complications, like:
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Heart damage
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Nerve damage
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Vision problems
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Kidney damage
Uncontrolled diabetes can also lead to permanent blindness and premature death.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
If you have symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst, blurry vision, or slow-healing wounds, your Jiki Medical Associates provider can request a blood test to evaluate your blood sugar levels.
You may also need routine diabetes screenings if you have prediabetes or a family history of diabetes.
What can I expect from diabetes management services?
Treating Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin therapy to keep blood sugar well-controlled. Your Jiki Medical Associates provider also offers guidance for regularly checking your blood sugar levels several times a day.
Managing Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes typically begins with lifestyle and dietary changes that help you lose weight and maintain a healthy body mass. You need to eat low-sugar, healthy foods and engage in daily exercise. For some, medications may also be necessary to keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Your Jiki Medical Associates provider works closely with you to ensure your diabetes is well-managed in the short-term and long-term. They tailor your treatment plan to your needs and focus on preventing serious health complications that are common with diabetes.
If you need help with diabetes, learn more about diabetes management services available at Jiki Medical Associates by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online now.