With the right care and support, diabetes is a manageable chronic disease. Melvin J. Schwartz, MD, and the expert team of primary care providers at Schwartz Medical Group in Norwood, Massachusetts, take a patient-centered approach to care. They create personalized care plans to help you manage your diabetes and prevent diabetes-related health complications. For compassionate care, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body uses glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is the primary source of energy for all of the cells in your body.
With diabetes, the glucose is unable to get into the cells because of problems with insulin, which is a hormone made in the pancreas. Too much glucose in your blood damages the blood vessels and vital organs.
The cause of your diabetes depends on the type, which includes:
With Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas no longer produces insulin. You must take daily insulin injections to manage your blood glucose.
With Type 2 diabetes, your insulin can’t get the glucose into the cell.
With prediabetes, your blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes is reversible.
Symptoms of diabetes vary in type and severity. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
The team at Schwartz Medical Group screens for diabetes at your annual wellness exam. But if you have symptoms of diabetes or concerns about the disease, contact the office to schedule an evaluation.
Your primary care provider at Schwartz Medical Group conducts a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose diabetes. During your exam, your provider reviews your symptoms and medical and family histories, and conducts a physical exam.
They also run a number of in-house lab tests to assess your blood glucose levels and determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes screening tests may include:
Your provider may also check your urine to look for ketones, especially if there is a suspicion that you may have Type 1 diabetes.
Treatment for your diabetes may depend on the type of diabetes you have, your blood glucose numbers, overall health, and personal preferences. The team at Schwartz Medical Group works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you gain control over your diabetes.
Your plan may include:
The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your blood glucose and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
For comprehensive diabetes care, call Schwartz Medical Group or book an appointment online today.
