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Diabetes services offered in Lanham, MD and Washington, DC
Every year, physicians report 1.5 million new cases of diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, the total number of cases has almost quadrupled since the 1980s. Today, over 420 million people worldwide have diabetes — 30 million of them living in the United States. Chivic Healthcare Services, located in Lanham, Maryland, and Washington, DC, has providers trained to recognize the early signs of diabetes and help their patients manage their symptoms. If you’re concerned about your health, schedule an appointment today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.
Diabetes Q&A
What is diabetes?
The body uses the hormone insulin to transport glucose (sugar) to cells, where it’s converted into energy. Diabetes occurs when there’s not enough insulin to do this, leaving excess glucose in the bloodstream and causing blood sugar levels to spike.
The three types of diabetes are gestational, Type 1, and Type 2. Gestational diabetes occurs in some females when they’re pregnant but usually goes away once they have the baby. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are incurable.
The team at Chivic Healthcare Services is there to guide you through your diabetes diagnosis and management. Schedule an appointment to speak to someone if you have any questions about your symptoms.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ in their severity and how widespread they are.
Type 1
People with Type 1 have a genetic, autoimmune condition that prevents the pancreas from creating insulin. In the United States, 125,000 people have Type 1 diabetes. It’s most commonly diagnosed in children but can develop at any age. Those living with it inject themselves with insulin every day. If left untreated, it’s life-threatening.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes affects 95% of all people with diabetes. The body produces insulin but either doesn’t use it effectively or doesn’t produce enough. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any time.
Those most at risk include women who developed gestational diabetes when pregnant, anyone with high blood sugar levels, anyone with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and those 45 or older.
Scheduling regular checkups with your provider at Chivic Healthcare Services prevents you from missing the early warning signs of diabetes.
How do you treat diabetes?
The most effective way to treat diabetes, especially Type 2, is to make lifestyle changes, including:
- Eating healthily
- Drinking less alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising moderately, then building up to a higher intensity
- Twice-yearly checkups
- Managing stress better
Type 1 treatment includes some of these healthy practices, along with daily insulin shots. Type 2 treatment can consist of medication at the start if the symptoms are severe, but the goal is to wean you off medication and use mostly exercise and dietary choices to manage it.
With careful management, diabetes needn’t get in your way. The providers at Chivic Healthcare Services support you through your treatment program to get you back to optimum health. Call today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.