Diabetes

Park South Medical Our Services Diabetes
Diabetes Specialist
Out of the 30 million people in the United States with diabetes, about one-fourth don’t know they have it because symptoms can take years to appear. The doctors at Park South Medical encourage you to schedule annual physical exams so you can be screened for early signs of diabetes and take steps to prevent or control the disease. To learn more about diabetes, call their Bronx, New York, office or book an appointment online.

Diabetes Q & A

Park South Medical

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes most often appears in children ages 4-14, although it can occur at any age. With this type, the pancreas is damaged and can’t produce insulin. Without insulin, sugar builds up in your bloodstream.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90-95% of all diabetes cases, typically develops in adults over 45. In this form, the pancreas produces insulin but not enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Patients with type 2 diabetes also have insulin resistance, so they can’t use the insulin that’s produced.

What symptoms are caused by diabetes?

Patients with type 1 diabetes develop symptoms quickly. By comparison, symptoms build slowly over several years in those with type 2 diabetes. The symptoms for both types include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination, often at night
  • Blurry vision
  • Increased hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Very dry skin
  • Sores that heal slowly

Are you at risk for diabetes?

The risk factors for type 1 diabetes — genetics and age — can’t be altered. You can, however, take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes, because its major risk factors are related to lifestyle. In fact, nine out of 10 cases of type 2 diabetes can be avoided by changing the top three risk factors:

  • Excess weight
  • High blood pressure
  • Lack of exercise

How is diabetes managed?

Diabetes management requires taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar stays too high, it damages small blood vessels and nerves. This leads to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, loss of vision, and peripheral nerve damage in your feet.

The Park South team includes an ophthalmologist, podiatrist, and physicians experienced with diabetes management. Every patient’s plan is customized but includes two key components:

Dietary and lifestyle counseling

You’ll learn about planning a healthy diet that restricts some types of carbohydrates. You’ll develop an action plan to boost your activity and lose weight if needed.

Medication

You must take insulin if you have type 1 diabetes. Patients with type 2 diabetes may not need medications if lifestyle changes keep their blood sugar under control. When diet and exercise don’t help, they may need insulin or one of several other medications to lower their blood sugar.

Diabetes management is a lifetime practice that’s easier with support from the Park South team — call or book an appointment online.