Diabetes

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

Patient/Doctor consultation

Almost 10% of the population of the United States, 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. Additionally, they can help you make the lifestyle changes necessary to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes after a diagnosis of prediabetes. To book your appointment, call the Las Vegas clinic or use the online scheduling tool today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar. More specifically, your body makes a hormone called insulin that has the important job of turning your blood sugar into energy for your cells. 

When you don’t create insulin or don’t have enough to keep up with the levels of sugar in your blood, you develop diabetes.

If you don’t manage the condition meticulously, diabetes becomes highly dangerous for your health. Untreated diabetes leads to various health complications, including: 

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Ulcers
  • Vision loss
  • Gum disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Nerve damage

Despite these serious potential complications, many patients learn to live with their diabetes and continue to enjoy a fulfilling life. 

How can I tell if I have diabetes?

In some cases, the warning signs of diabetes appear abruptly. In others, they slowly accumulate over time before you notice that something’s wrong. Symptoms include:

  • Constant hunger
  • Extreme thirst or dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Yeast infections
  • Wounds that heal slowly or won’t heal
  • Irritability

Your doctor can detail the many other potential indicators of diabetes.

What are the two main types of diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes, but most people know about two of them:

Type 1 diabetes

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

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body can’t use insulin to efficiently process the sugar in your blood. This type is closely linked to obesity, and you can prevent or reduce it by exercising and eating a healthy diet.

How can I manage my diabetes?

If you have diabetes, you’ll need to make changes to your lifestyle and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. 

For type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin for the rest of your life. Type 2 is largely managed with lifestyle changes alone, but your doctor may also prescribe insulin or other blood sugar-regulating drugs. 

Losing weight can greatly improve type 2 diabetes, and your doctor may recommend Bariatric surgery if necessary.

To learn more about diabetes or get help managing your condition, call Southern Nevada Bariatrics or book an appointment online today.