Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause serious health issues if it goes untreated. At Pax Internal Medicine Associates in Akron, Ohio, board-certified internist Chimezie Amanambu, MD, provides expert treatment and care to help manage your diabetes. Call the office or book an appointment online to set up a consultation today.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes you to have high blood sugar. When you eat, your body breaks down most carbohydrates into glucose, which is then normally transferred from your bloodstream into your cells with the help of insulin. When you have diabetes, your body’s insulin doesn't function properly, or your body doesn’t produce it at all.
If diabetes goes untreated, you can suffer from complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Dementia
- Nerve damage
- Poor eyesight
- Loss of hearing
- Sores that won’t heal
If you think you might have diabetes, see Dr. Amanambu for treatment to avoid the risk of impairment to your organs.
What are the different types of diabetes?
You can develop three types of diabetes:
Type 1
This type of diabetes is the least common and usually inherited. With Type 1, your body produces little or no insulin, which requires you to give yourself an insulin shot daily.
Type 2
When your body doesn’t use insulin properly, you develop Type 2 diabetes. It can be brought on by age, obesity, lack of exercise, or eating too much sugar. Rather than using medication, Dr. Amanambu can help you manage this type with lifestyle changes to your diet and daily activity and you may be able to avoid daily injections.
Gestational
This type of diabetes typically develops in women while they’re pregnant due to hormonal changes. Dr. Amanambu monitors your blood sugar closely to keep you and your baby safe.
What are the common symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Extreme thirst
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Fatigue
- Increased hunger
- Weight loss
- Frequent urination
- Poor vision
If you’re a man, you might experience erectile dysfunction and a decreased sex drive. If you’re a woman, you might have yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
If you suffer from any of these signs, see Dr. Amanambu as soon as possible for an evaluation. Getting the right diagnosis can offer you the treatment you need.
How is diabetes treated?
Dr. Amanambu and the team develop a plan to help you reduce your blood pressure. Their first line of attack is usually to recommend healthy lifestyle habits that include:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce your fat intake
- Decrease your salt intake
- Consume less alcohol, if any
- Exercise daily
Dr. Amanambu may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure to keep you healthy so you can live a vibrant life.
To learn more about hypertension and to have your blood pressure checked, make an appointment with the team at Pax Internal Medicine Associates. Call the office or use the online booking tool today.
