Diabetes Specialist - Sterling Heights, MI: Sterling Medical Center: Primary Care
Sterling Medical Center Our Services Diabetes
If you’re one of the 30 million-plus Americans with diabetes today, you need support and care from dedicated medical experts. At Sterling Medical Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, the experienced care team offers comprehensive diabetes care, including overall education about the condition, glucose testing, diet consultation, and insulin or other medication if you need it. Use the online appointment booker or call the office to schedule today.
There are two main kinds of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, which isn’t preventable, was originally called juvenile diabetes because it typically begins when you’re a child. If you’ve got Type 1 diabetes, you make little to no insulin, and that means your blood sugar is uncontrolled. Only around 5% of diabetes cases are Type 1.
Type 2 diabetes, which is almost always preventable, typically affects adults, although it’s sometimes diagnosed in childhood. If you’ve got Type 2 diabetes, you do make insulin but you can’t use it properly, and this leads to uncontrolled blood sugar. Around 95% of diabetes sufferers have Type 2.
The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the kind of diabetes and how advanced your disease is. In the early stages of Type 2 diabetes, you may not have significant symptoms. The most common warning signs to look for include:
In Type 2 diabetes, you may experience a pins-and-needles feeling in your feet and/or hands. In Type 1 diabetes, you may lose weight even if you haven’t changed your eating habits.
If you have some of the symptoms above, your Sterling Medical Center care team can do a blood glucose test or other blood tests to make a diagnosis.
Do I have to take insulin if I have diabetes?
It depends on the situation. Type 1 diabetes does require consistent insulin to maintain your health. You can maintain your insulin levels with injections, insulin pump, or an implanted device. With Type 1 diabetes, it’s still important to maintain good health. Your Sterling Medical Center care provider may recommend some dietary and other lifestyle changes to accomplish this.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers often don’t need insulin. Your Sterling Medical Center care provider can help you with overall education about your condition, which includes diet consultations. If you need to lose weight to better manage your diabetes, your care team can support and guide you. You may need medication if lifestyle changes aren’t effective.
For diabetes help including lifestyle guidance, insulin, and medication, book your appointment at Sterling Medical Center online or by phone today.