Diabetes Specialist
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Heights Family Medicine
Family Medicine located in Dearborn Heights, MI
Rates of diabetes in the United States are on the rise, and the disease affects more than 1 million adults in Michigan. A diabetes diagnosis increases your risk of other chronic health conditions, including heart and kidney disease, and requires ongoing medical care. Board-certified family medicine physician, Sally Khalifa, DO, at Heights Family Medicine in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, takes a holistic and integrative approach to care and can devise an effective treatment plan to help you manage your diabetes. For comprehensive care, call the office or book online today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood sugar is higher than normal. Too much sugar in your blood damages your blood vessels, as well as your other organs, and increases your risk of health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy.
The sugar in your blood serves as a source of energy for your cells. The hormone insulin, which is made in your pancreas, is responsible for helping the sugar from your blood get into the cells.
When your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, it’s due to an issue related to your insulin, which determines the type of diabetes you have:
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when your immune system attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. This type of diabetes usually develops during childhood or adolescence and requires daily insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes
With Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas produces some insulin. However, the insulin isn’t able to move the sugar from your blood into your cells. This type of diabetes can develop at any age, but most often occurs in adults.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and may develop due to hormonal changes that affect insulin function. Having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Diabetes is prevalent in the United States, and 90-95% of those with the chronic disease have Type 2 diabetes.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
Dr. Khalifa determines if you have diabetes through a blood test. She may recommend testing based on your age, medical and family history, diabetes risk factors, or if you’re experiencing any diabetes-related symptoms, such as:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Increase in hunger and thirst
- Frequent need to urinate
- Tingly fingers or toes
- Blurry vision
If your test indicates that you don’t have full-blown diabetes, but you do have prediabetes, then Dr. Khalifa may suggest lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing the chronic condition.
What are the treatments for diabetes?
Dr. Khalifa takes a holistic and integrative approach to care, and she develops individualized treatment plans to help you manage your diabetes. Your treatment may include:
- Diet modification
- Exercise
- Medication
If you’re overweight or obese, Dr. Khalifa can design a plan to help you get to a healthier weight, which may significantly improve your blood sugar levels.
For expert management of your diabetes from a kind and compassionate physician, contact Heights Family Medicine by phone or online today.
