Diabetes Specialist
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Optimal Performance Medicine
Internal Medicine & Primary Care Practice located in Woodstock, GA
Every year, more than 50,000 Georgians are diagnosed with diabetes. Without proper care, diabetes leads to other health conditions such as heart or kidney disease. Michael Skardasis, MD, and his team at Optimal Performance Medicine in Woodstock, Georgia, specialize in the management of diabetes. They help you gain control over the chronic condition so you may no longer need your diabetes medication. To learn more about how the team at Optimal Performance Medicine can help you, call today or request an appointment online.
Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects your body’s blood sugar levels. Normally, the sugar in your blood, which comes from the food you eat, is transported into your cells to provide energy by insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas.
If you have diabetes, it may mean that your body isn’t making enough insulin or the insulin you do make isn’t working as it should. The type of diabetes you have may indicate how your insulin is affected.
The types of diabetes include:
- Type 1 diabetes: the pancreas isn’t producing insulin
- Type 2 diabetes: cells are resistant to the insulin
- Gestational diabetes: occurs in women during pregnancy.
Type 2 diabetes is the more common of diabetes. You are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if it runs in your family, you’re overweight or obese, or you don’t get enough exercise.
What health problems are associated with diabetes?
Too much sugar in your blood can damage many body systems and increase your risk of other health issues. If not controlled, diabetes increases your risk of:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stroke
- Dental disease
Your elevated blood sugars may also damage the nerve endings and blood vessels in your extremities, which increases your risk of foot infections that sometimes lead to amputations.
How can I manage my diabetes?
The team at Optimal Performance Medicine is known as the team that takes you off medicine. Depending on the type of diabetes you have, the team helps you gain control over your blood sugars and reduce your risk of complications by helping you change your diet and incorporating regular exercise.
What you eat affects your blood sugar, and making changes to your diet helps you lower your numbers. Regular activity helps your body burn excess sugar, which also improves blood sugar levels.
If you’re overweight, losing weight significantly improves blood sugar levels and may help you get off your diabetes medication. The team designs a weight-loss program that fits your health needs and weight-loss goals and provides the professional support you need to keep the weight off.
For management of your diabetes from a team that takes a more holistic approach to care, call Optimal Performance Medicine today or request an appointment online.
