Diabetes

Living with diabetes changes how people manage their health and well-being. With compassionate care, Aruna Chakrala, MD, can help you manage the condition and prevent complications at First Health of Monroe in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Don’t wait to seek professional care for diabetes when Dr. Chakrala can help. Call the office or request an appointment online today to get the care you need.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects your body’s ability to process glucose (sugar). The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which allows your cells to use sugar for energy. Without healthy insulin levels, sugar builds in the bloodstream. 

This accumulation can damage your blood vessels over time, leading to complications such as kidney damage, heart disease, and vision impairment.

Are there different types of diabetes?

The most common types of diabetes include:

Prediabetes

Having prediabetes means your blood sugar levels are consistently high but not high enough to warrant a diabetes diagnosis. The condition is reversible at this stage, and Dr. Chakrala works closely with you to return your blood sugar to healthy levels.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals with this type of diabetes typically develop symptoms during childhood or adolescence and must take regular insulin injections for life.

Type 2 diabetes

The most common type of diabetes, Type 2, develops when the body stops using insulin efficiently. Lifestyle habits, such as poor diet, excess weight, and inactivity, are common risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar properly. While it usually resolves after childbirth, the condition can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes.

What are the signs of diabetes?

The signs of diabetes can vary and tend to worsen as the disease progresses. Common diabetes symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Slow-healing wounds
• Vision impairment
• Dry skin
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability
• Fatigue

Women with diabetes may also experience frequent yeast infections. Some people notice changes in the color of their skin in their armpits and neck.

Who is at risk of diabetes?

Many factors can increase your risk of developing diabetes, including:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Being overweight
• Following an unhealthy diet
• Having high cholesterol
• Having underlying health conditions (such as hypertension or polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Exercising too little

If you have a close relative with diabetes, you may also be at risk of the condition.

What are the treatments for diabetes?

The types of treatments Dr. Chakrala recommends for diabetes depend on the type you have. Standard treatments for diabetes typically include:

• Following a healthy diet
• Monitoring your blood sugar
• Taking insulin
• Exercising regularly
• Losing weight

Many other medications, such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, can also help manage your blood sugar levels.

To find out how Dr. Chakrala can help you manage diabetes, call First Health of Monroe or request your appointment online today.