Diabetes Management
Understand the Condition and Improve Quality of Life
If you’re in need of diabetes management assistance in the Oak Lawn area, then you’ve come to the right place. At Healthonomic Primary Care, we go above and beyond to provide our patients with the healthcare they deserve. Dr. Lentzou and our Healthonomic physicians will perform necessary testing and walk you through the possible symptoms and solutions based on your specific case. If you’d like to learn more about what we can do to help, simply give us a call!
A Brief Breakdown of Diabetes
Often referred to as the silent killer, diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. In both forms of diabetes, the body has a difficult time regulating insulin, the hormone responsible for managing the presence of sugar in the blood.
Type 1: This type of diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes and is present at birth or manifests during early childhood. It usually indicates that the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, which allows the body to use sugar from carbohydrates and regulates blood sugar levels. It is an autoimmune condition.
Type 2: This type of diabetes is also known as insulin-resistant diabetes and is the most common. However, Type 2 diabetes can also be insulin-dependent. This type indicates that the body can produce some of its own insulin but struggles to regulate it or use it properly; this condition usually develops in adults and is often the result of genetics or obesity.
Understanding Symptoms
Learning Your Body’s Reaction
Diabetes symptoms can be vague and vary depending on your blood sugar. In fact, it has been called the “silent killer” precisely because many people don’t always feel symptoms related to high blood sugar. Some people might not even realize they have diabetes until they have blood work to diagnose it.
Some common symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Frequent need to urinate
- Wounds that heal slowly
- Blurry vision
- Extreme hunger or thirst
- Frequent infections or illness
- Unexplained fatigue
- Anxiety or heart palpitations
- Numbness/burning in hands or feet
It’s important to note that symptoms of Type 1 diabetes—especially those that indicate low blood sugar—can happen immediately and be life-threatening.
People with diabetes can experience extreme highs or lows in blood sugar because their insulin response is compromised. That can lead to dangerous health complications, including kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Some people with Type 2 diabetes may be more genetically predisposed to develop metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms like high blood pressure and abdominal fat.
What Are the Treatment Options for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes management and treatment depend on the type of diabetes you have and various other factors including necessary lifestyle changes and adjustments.
Type 1 treatment options: People with Type 1 diabetes need to manage their symptoms with prescription insulin. Blood sugar levels and diet need to be regularly and consistently monitored to ensure optimized blood sugar control and to avoid life-threatening low blood sugar levels.
Type 2 treatment options: Type 2 diabetes management varies widely among patients. Treatments often range from diet control and lifestyle modifications to one or several medications. Occasionally, insulin is used to help control Type 2 diabetes, as well.
Healthonomic Primary Care clinic can conduct adequate testing and diagnosis in order to implement the right course of action for each individual. We will create a custom treatment plan that addresses your particular needs and condition.
Counseling & Education
Learning About the Disease to Create Long Term Change
Here at Healthonomics, our objective is to provide immediate and effective diabetes management, but we also want our patients to better understand their own health and body in order to live an active and healthy lifestyle beyond their treatment.
This begins with education and counseling that allows patients to explore their options, ask questions, and engage in their own treatment plans. Our physicians and primary doctors are interested in offering holistic approaches to health as well, educating patients about changes they can implement in their lives that will improve their condition and overall health.
Lifestyle Changes
Nutrition, Exercise, and Overall Wellness
Family medicine involves working towards all-encompassing health for the community. As a primary care clinic, we aim to empower you to take control of your health with education and compassionate care, in order to supplement your treatment with a lifestyle that is healthy for each individual patient.
Nutrition plays a large role in controlling and mitigating symptoms of diabetes. Everybody is different and has different needs. With this in mind, we focus on two contributing factors:
Healthy Diet: A consistent and healthy meal plan is essential for people with diabetes. The right nutrition means understanding what your body needs and how to balance it. Meal planning is a great way to keep diet healthy and consistent.
Physical Activity: Staying active and coupling good nutrition with physical activity will help keep your blood glucose level within your target range. Any kind of physical activity can be beneficial, and we can help you come up with a plan that suits your needs.
We Accept All Forms of Insurance and Payments
Healthonomic Primary Care clinic accepts all forms of payments and medical insurance. So come in today and let us know how we can help you. We take same-day appointments and walk-ins.
Come See Us & Find Out About Diabetes Management
With three locations, Healthonomic Primary Care is ready to serve you and help you get back to a healthy and active lifestyle. Dr. Lentzou and our other qualified physicians and nurse practitioners are ready to help improve your health.
If you suffer from Type 1 Diabetes or suspect you might have diabetes, make an appointment or stop by today and let’s get you on the right path toward effective diabetes management and overall health.
