Nearly 29 million adults in the United States have a diabetes diagnosis. At the practice of Saba Shabnam, MD, FAAFP, in Grapevine, Texas, Dr. Shabnam helps diagnose, treat, and prevent diabetes. Proper management of your symptoms can reduce your risk of complications if you have diabetes. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by high blood sugar levels. As glucose (sugar) collects in the blood, it weakens the blood vessel walls.
Normally, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. This hormone allows the glucose to enter your cells, which then use it for energy. If the pancreas doesn’t create enough insulin, the cells have no way to get the glucose from your blood.
Diabetes impacts nearly every aspect of your health, from your blood vessels to your nerves. Without treatment, the disease can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage), vision loss, and even stroke.
Dr. Shabnam works with you to manage the different types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually starts during childhood. The immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, preventing your body from creating the hormone. While you can’t prevent Type 1 diabetes, regular insulin injections can help manage the condition.
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body stops producing the level of insulin it needs to function properly. Although the condition can develop at any time, it commonly occurs during middle age. Poor diet, inactivity, and tobacco use are the most common risk factors for Type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth. However, it can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to warrant an official diagnosis, then you have prediabetes.
Diabetes symptoms vary from person to person. The most common signs include:
Diabetes also increases your risk of frequent infections, as high blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system.
The practice of Saba Shabnam, MD, FAAFP, takes a multifaceted approach to diabetes treatment that may include:
Call the office of Saba Shabnam, MD, FAAFP, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about diabetes.