Diabetes
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Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic
Family Medicine Physicians located in Aurora, CO
Over 100 million people are affected by diabetes or prediabetes. To help you thrive despite a diabetes diagnosis, Bipin Kumar, MD, offers comprehensive care for type 1, type 2, and prediabetes at Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic. Located in Aurora, Colorado, Dr. Kumar has extensive experience managing all levels of diabetes and offers on-site testing and nutritional education to ensure you stay in control of your condition. Whether you need daily insulin or resources to modify your lifestyle, Dr. Kumar can help. Schedule a diabetes consultation by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes the sugar from your diet into the energy you need to function. Dr. Kumar treats all three types of diabetes, including:
Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make the hormone insulin that’s vital for converting sugar to energy. As a result, the sugar stays in your blood at high levels, which can lead to long-term health complications.
To treat diabetes Type 1 diabetes, Dr. Kumar refers patients to endocrinology.
Types 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin, or it doesn’t use the insulin it makes properly to control blood sugar levels.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where your blood sugar levels are consistently high but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Prediabetes increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Why should I be tested for diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes often develops during childhood and is thought to occur because of immune system dysfunction. Type 1 diabetes is usually identified through routine blood testing and an evaluation of symptoms, like frequent thirst, excessive urination, and unexplained weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes typically results due to lifestyle factors, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet choices. Both children and adults are at risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if they have a family history of the condition.
Dr. Kumar can recommend diabetes screenings based on your personal and family history and if you’re experiencing diabetes-related symptoms.
Identifying diabetes early is important for successful management of your condition. Untreated diabetes can result in chronic, potentially life-threatening health issues like:
- Heart disease
- Nerve damage
- Kidney failure
- Loss of vision
You may also be at risk for losing limbs to amputation due to poor circulation related to diabetes.
What treatments are available for diabetes?
If you have type 1 diabetes, you need daily insulin to control your blood sugar. Dr. Kumar also provides guidance for frequently testing your blood sugar at home and eating a nutritious diet to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes initially may involve lifestyle modifications to improve your physical activity level and help you lose weight.
Dr. Kumar’s research into micronutrients helps him create a dietary plan that supports your good health and better control of your diabetes.
If these modifications aren’t enough to keep your blood sugar well-controlled, you may also need medications. The goal of treatment is to stabilize your blood sugar and prevent chronic disease and damage to your organs.
Dr. Kumar works closely with you through routine visits to ensure you stay in control of your condition. He can also coordinate your care with other specialists if you develop diabetes-related complications.
Find out more about diabetes management services available at Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
