Almost 10% of the U.S. population, or 30.3 million people, live with diabetes. If you feel off lately, or already have a diagnosis and need help managing it, Mustafa Ahmed, MD, at Southern Nevada Bariatrics offers diabetes management and treatment. He can also help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes after a diagnosis of pre-diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar. Your body makes a hormone called insulin that turns blood sugar into energy for your cells. When you don’t produce insulin, or don’t have enough to keep up with the sugar in your blood, you develop diabetes. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. With careful management, many patients live full, healthy lives.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body can’t produce insulin; if you have it, you need artificial insulin to keep your metabolism functioning. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can’t use insulin efficiently to process blood sugar. Type 2 is closely linked to obesity, and you can prevent or reduce it by exercising and eating a healthy diet.
If you have diabetes, you’ll need to make lifestyle changes and monitor your blood sugar regularly. Type 1 requires insulin for life; type 2 is largely managed with lifestyle changes, though your doctor may also prescribe medication. Losing weight can greatly improve type 2 diabetes, and Dr. Ahmed may recommend bariatric surgery when appropriate. To learn more or get help managing your condition, contact Southern Nevada Bariatrics.
