Diabetes
Diabetes Services Offered in Grand Blanc, MI
Diabetes is a condition that causes elevated blood glucose levels and can damage your nerves and blood vessels, leading to potentially life-threatening heart problems, strokes, and diabetic ulcers. Michael Zielinski, DO, andBeth Gilling FNP of Integrative Family Medicine in Grand Blanc, Michigan, assess what’s causing your diabetes so they can provide the most effective treatment program. To find out how their thorough approach can benefit you, call Integrative Family Medicine or book an appointment online today.
Diabetes Q & A
The main forms of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. A flaw in your immune system makes it attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas as it would target invading bacteria or viruses. Type 1 diabetes is unpreventable and incurable.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin. It typically results from being overweight or obese, having a high-fat, high-sugar diet, and not exercising enough. Type 2 diabetes is more common after middle age, but the increase in childhood obesity rates mean more young people now get Type 2 diabetes.
Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, affecting the baby’s growth rate. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after you have your baby, but it increases your risk of having Type 2 diabetes in later life.
The aim of treating diabetes is to manage your blood glucose levels, so you don’t get dangerous dips and spikes. Lifestyle changes are vital, especially for Type 2 diabetes. Your provider at Integrative Family Medicine and Urgent Care can advise you on making these changes, which could include:
- Losing weight
- Getting more exercise
- Cutting down on unhealthy fats
- Avoiding sugary foods
- Quitting smoking
People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you might be able to manage it with lifestyle changes, or your provider at Integrative Family Medicine and Urgent Care may prescribe a drug like metformin that helps regulate blood glucose. Severe Type 2 diabetes would also require daily insulin.
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To find out more and get expert diagnosis and treatment for diabetes, call Integrative Family Medicine and Urgent Care today or book an appointment online.