Diabetes Specialist
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CAPITAL HEALTH & CLINICS
Jagdeep Singh, MD
Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Bowie, MD
It’s estimated that one in 10 Americans has diabetes. Though there’s no cure for diabetes, with intervention and treatment, it’s possible to manage and prevent it from getting worse. At Capital Health & Clinics, primary care physician Jagdeep Singh, MD, and the team boast years of experience diagnosing and treating diabetes. To make an appointment at the practice in Bowie, Maryland, call the office today or schedule online.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases that affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive, but if your levels are consistently too high, it increases the risk of permanent nerve damage and heart disease.
There are several types of diabetes and each presents unique symptoms. If you’re concerned about your risk, make an appointment with the team at Capital Health & Clinics today.
What are the types of diabetes?
The team at Capital Health & Clinics treats several types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes causes your immune system to attack the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas. This type of diabetes is treated with a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes causes your pancreas to become insulin-resistant, allowing sugar to build up in your bloodstream. When caught early on, healthy lifestyle changes like a nutritious diet and regular exercise can often prevent the condition from getting worse.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes causes your blood sugar to spike during pregnancy. It usually subsides after giving birth, but it may increase the risk of labor-related complications.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes indicates that you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes. It means your blood sugar levels are consistently high but not yet high enough to require treatment.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased hunger
- Extreme thirst
- Weight loss
- Slow-healing wounds
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
As your condition gets worse, you might also experience low libido, dry skin, or poor muscle strength.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
To diagnose diabetes, the team at Capital Health & Clinics reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Then, they order several laboratory screens, including a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar during the last two or three months. Results of 6.5% or more on two separate tests mean you have diabetes.
How is diabetes treated?
At Capital Health & Clinics, the team treats diabetes using conservative, integrative means. Usually, they recommend a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, including eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and managing your stress levels.
You might also benefit from insulin therapy, oral prescription medications, or weight loss (bariatric) surgery.
To learn more about the various treatment options for diabetes, make an appointment at Capital Health & Clinics. Call the office today, or click the online booking feature.
