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Diabetes Specialist

Lower Merion Family Medicine

Family Medicine located in Narberth, PA

Diabetes is more than a disease, it’s a rapidly growing epidemic, according to the American Diabetes Association®. The caring physicians at Lower Merion Family Medicine in Narberth, Pennsylvania, are highly trained providers who can recognize the warning signs of diabetes, make a diagnosis, and help you get the symptoms under control, so you can reclaim your health. Use online scheduling, or book your appointment by phone today.

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t produce or use insulin correctly within your body. This leaves you unable to regulate your blood sugar, which can cause major health problems and even death if not treated. There are two main kinds of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable, and it’s usually diagnosed early in life. Type 1 diabetics don’t make insulin due to an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks its own pancreas.

In sharp contrast, Type 2 diabetes is preventable, and it’s typically diagnosed in middle age or later in life. Although Type 2 diabetic patients make insulin, they develop insulin resistance in which the body stops reacting to insulin. Today, 90-95% of all diabetes cases are Type 2.

What are the dangers of untreated diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disease that can negatively affect nearly all parts of your body. Some potential effects of untreated diabetes can include:

  • Stroke
  • Heart damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Vision loss
  • Nerve damage
  • Skin damage

With treatment, you can avoid these damaging effects, but if you don’t get help, you could risk your life.

Can I prevent Type 2 diabetes if I have prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a common condition in which blood glucose is elevated, but not at diabetes levels yet.  Although not officially diabetes, prediabetes is likely to lead to full-blown diabetes if you don’t work to prevent it now. Your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor is a preventive care expert, so they can help you make the necessary changes.

If you have prediabetes, recommended lifestyle changes may include:

  • Weight loss
  • More exercise
  • Dietary changes like more veggies, less fat, and more whole grains

In some cases, prediabetes patients may need medication, but it’s often manageable with only lifestyle changes.

How is diabetes treated?

If you have Type 1 diabetes, you need to take daily insulin because your body doesn’t make it. As your primary care provider, your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor can coordinate with your endocrinologist to ensure that you get everything you need to stay healthy.

Some Type 2 diabetes sufferers are able to control their disease without medication, while others may also need daily oral medication. Healthy changes can truly turn your health around with Type 2 diabetes!

You don’t have to suffer the damaging effects of diabetes. Your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor can help you recover good health, so book your appointment online or by phone today.