When you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you need compassionate, expert care to support you and lower your risk for severe long-term complications. Nishu Karki, MD, and the team at Bella Terra Primary Care in Huntington Beach, California, offer experienced diabetic management and support as you learn to live well with this chronic illness. For diabetes diagnosis, education, treatment, and long-term management, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects your body’s ability to process sugars from your food, which impacts the pancreas and its ability to produce insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone to convert blood sugar, or glucose, to usable energy.
Glucose is the primary fuel for every significant process of the body. When you don’t produce enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream rather than being used by the cells.
Commonly called high blood sugar, having chronically elevated levels of glucose in the blood is damaging to the tissues and organs.
Over time, high blood sugar causes severe long-term complications, which could significantly affect the quality and length of your life. Having a trusted, experienced provider is essential for developing healthy, diabetic-friendly habits and preventing these complications.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes. The amount of insulin naturally produced by your pancreas differentiates the two forms of diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: the pancreas produces little or no insulin
- Type 2 diabetes: the pancreas produces some but not enough insulin
Type 1 diabetes treatment involves synthetic insulin, a diabetic diet, and ongoing monitoring for diabetes complications. Type 2 diabetes treatments often focus on dietary restrictions, oral medications, and weight control.
While there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is often controllable or even curable with the right treatment plan.
What are the treatments for diabetes?
Dr. Karki and the Bella Terra Primary Care team offer a range of services to support a healthy lifestyle despite your diabetes. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Diabetic diagnostic testing, including A1C
- Nutritional and dietary counseling
- Activity and exercise counseling
- Diabetic wound checks and treatment
- Blood sugar checks
- Lifestyle counseling
Dr. Karki believes that defeating diabetes with education is one of the most critical aspects of your care. The more you understand about your diagnosis, the more equipped you are for avoiding complications and managing your diabetes in the long-term.
An initial diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, but with expert education, treatment, and ongoing monitoring, you can live well with this chronic illness. For a consultation regarding your diabetes, call or schedule an appointment online with Bella Terra Primary Care today.
