According to the National Institutes of Health, over 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 86 million have prediabetes. Of these cases, only about one-quarter of people with diabetes have their condition under control. This number highlights the importance of proper management and treatment of diabetes.
When left untreated or uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to several complications that can be life-threatening, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and lower-limb amputations. Learn more here.
What’s Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the blood sugar level is too high. The hormone insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by moving sugar from the blood into the body’s cells, which use it for energy. In someone with diabetes, however, the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a result, too much sugar accumulates in the blood.
Type 1 vs. Type 2
Diabetes comes in two main forms. The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 diabetes results from an autoimmune reaction that destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. In contrast, type 2 diabetes develops by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors that lead to insulin resistance.
Treatment
Both types of diabetes are incurable, but some treatments can help people manage them. Keeping blood sugar levels within a target range is the goal of treatment. For people with type 1 diabetes, this may involve taking insulin injections multiple times per day. Treatment for people with type 2 diabetes may include weight loss, exercise, and medication.
Diabetes and Endocrinology
Endocrinologists are critical if you have diabetes. Endocrinologists specialize in treating disorders of the endocrine system, which includes the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland that produces the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.
People with diabetes should see an endocrinologist for the best treatment. Endocrinologists are specially trained to treat diabetes and can help you manage your condition. You can also get advice on modifying your diet and lifestyle to control diabetes.
Diabetes doctor Philip Rabito treats type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes in NYC. Our office can help you manage diabetes. Call us at 877-703-3775.
