Our Services
Diabetes
Diabetes management aims to control blood glucose levels, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for patients with diabetes. It includes medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose.
Typical Cases
- Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and typically diagnosed in adults.
- Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy.
Symptoms and Management
- Type 1 Diabetes:
- Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.
- Management: Insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, healthy eating, and physical activity.
- Type 2 Diabetes:
- Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, and frequent infections.
- Management: Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss), oral medications (metformin, sulfonylureas), and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational Diabetes:
- Symptoms: Often none; diagnosed through screening tests during pregnancy.
- Management: Blood glucose monitoring, diet changes, physical activity, and sometimes insulin or oral medications.
Monitoring
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels using glucometers.
- HbA1c Testing: A blood test that provides an average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months, typically done every 3-6 months.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet: A balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake, focusing on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity to help manage blood glucose levels and improve overall health.
- Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Medications
- Insulin: Required for Type 1 diabetes and sometimes for Type 2 diabetes, administered through injections or an insulin pump.
- Oral Hypoglycemics: Medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors that help control blood glucose levels.
- Non-Insulin Injectables: Medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists that help lower blood glucose.
Complications Management
- Neuropathy: Managing nerve damage through medications, proper foot care, and regular check-ups.
- Retinopathy: Regular eye exams and treatment to prevent vision loss.
- Nephropathy: Monitoring kidney function and managing blood pressure to prevent kidney damage.