Diabetes in Tarzana, CA
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Contact UsWhat is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a significant condition that impacts the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels effectively. It can occur when the body either produces insufficient insulin or cannot utilize it properly. Initially, individuals with diabetes may not experience any symptoms, but more severe health problems may arise as the condition progresses. Symptoms of diabetes include increased urination, thirst, and hunger, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, frequent infections, poor wound healing, and tingling or numbness in toes and fingers. Complications can include nerve damage, non-healing sores, vision impairment, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Dr. Yehuda Handelsman, an experienced physician at Yehuda Handelsman, M.D., specializes in addressing various types of diabetes and educating patients on managing their condition through lifestyle changes. To learn more about options for managing diabetes, we invite you to schedule an appointment at our clinic located in Tarzana, CA.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream causes diabetes, regardless of the type. Diabetes arises from various factors, with Type 2 diabetes primarily stemming from insulin resistance. In this condition, muscle cells, fat, and liver inadequately respond to insulin, influenced by obesity, sedentary lifestyle, diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and some medications. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes due to placenta-released hormones inducing insulin resistance, with similar resistance seen in other hormonal disorders like acromegaly and Cushing syndrome, potentially leading to Type 2 diabetes.
Other than a family history of diabetes, type 1 diabetes has no real risk factors. Type 2 diabetes has more obvious risk factors, including:
- Age: men and women 45 or older more likely to develop diabetes
- Race or ethnicity: Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American people are at higher risk
- Excess weight: additional pounds stress the body’s insulin response
- Inactivity: lack of physical activity increases the risk of diabetes
- Family history: including a parent or sibling with the disease
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a condition in women causing increased glucose levels
- Prediabetes: blood sugar levels that are slightly higher than normal
Diabetes Types and Treatments
There are different forms of diabetes, each with its own characteristics:
Type 1: In this form, the body cannot produce insulin naturally. As a result, carbohydrates consumed are broken down for energy through other processes. Patients with type 1 diabetes typically require daily insulin intake to manage their blood sugar levels.
Type 2: In type 2 diabetes, the body does not effectively use insulin, leading to irregular fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise, are often recommended to help manage this condition.
Gestational: This type of diabetes occurs exclusively during pregnancy. The exact cause is unknown, but with appropriate treatment, the mother and child can remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.
The treatment approach for diabetes varies, depending on the specific type. However, individuals with any form of diabetes can benefit from certain fundamental measures, including adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity. These lifestyle modifications are beneficial for managing diabetes and promoting overall well-being.
Dr. Handelsman offers continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) pumps for managing diabetes. A CGM pump continuously tracks glucose levels in the body, providing real-time readings and trends. It uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels. This information is then transmitted wirelessly to the pump, which displays the data on a screen. The pump itself delivers insulin to the body. It is typically worn externally and attached to the body via a small cannula or infusion set inserted into the subcutaneous tissue. The pump delivers precise amounts of insulin according to programmed settings, mimicking the natural release of insulin by the pancreas.
Diabetes Reviews
I am seeing Dr. Handelsman for the last 25 years for diabetes. needed Insulin and because of Dr. Handelsman I am on medication- saved my life.defiantly will recommend him
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Learn How to Control Your Blood Sugar
No matter your age or diabetes type, our skilled provider at Yehuda Handelsman, M.D. in Tarzana, CA is dedicated to helping you to live life to the fullest. Whether you suspect diabetes or are seeking exceptional medical care, contact us today to schedule your next visit and take control of your health journey.
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About UsDiabetes FAQs
What risk factors can lead to diabetes?
There are a variety of risk factors that can make you more susceptible to developing diabetes. Some of the most common risk factors include:
- Age
- Genetics
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating a diet high in refined sugars
- High blood pressure
- Having gestational diabetes
What are some common symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes is a common condition that occurs when your blood sugar is too high. Symptoms of diabetes can vary between patients, but the most common symptoms often include:
- Blurry vision
- Extreme hunger or thirst
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tingling or numbness in your extremities
- Chronic infections
- Slow-healing sores or wounds
- Frequent urination
What happens if diabetes is not treated?
If your diabetes goes untreated it can lead to serious issues, such as vision loss, nerve damage, heart disease, and more. These issues can occur over time as your blood sugar levels interfere with the functioning of your body. It is imperative to control your blood sugar levels to ensure that complications do not arise.