Diabetes

Almost everyone knows a friend or a family member who has diabetes, so it should not be surprising that in the United States, more than 25 million people, or roughly 8 percent of the population, have the disease. While diabetes can cause serious health problems, it can now be successfully managed by working closely with your health care team.

What Is Diabetes?

It is important to first understand how your body processes sugar.

Those with diabetes have blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels that are too high. When you eat, the glucose (sugar) from the food is transferred to your cells in order to provide energy. For this to happen, your body releases a hormone called insulin that helps process the glucose. When your body does not make enough insulin, or isn’t able to use insulin properly, the sugar stays in your blood. Over time this can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage or blindness. Uncontrolled diabetes can also contribute to heart disease, stroke, and even the loss of a limb. In severe cases, it may even cause seizures and coma.

Three Main Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. Many type 1 diabetics have to take insulin shots to help their bodies process glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes: type 2 diabetes is more common. With type 2 diabetes, the body does make insulin, but it does not make enough insulin, or it is unable to efficiently use insulin.

Gestational Diabetes: Pregnant women, even those who were not diabetic before their pregnancy, may have diabetes. About 18 percent of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.

You may have also heard the term “prediabetes.” While this is technically not diabetes, it does indicate that blood glucose levels are higher than normal. If left untreated, prediabetes can turn into type 2 diabetes. Even prediabetes can cause long-term damage to your body. The good news is your physician can work with you to develop a health treatment plan that can delay or even prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors

You may be at risk of diabetes if:

You are over 45
You have a family history of diabetes
You are overweight
You do not exercise regularly
You have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or high triglycerides (the amount of sugar in blood.)

What Patients Say

Dr. Sachdeva is the most caring Doctor I have seen. She is amazing and provides good feedback on keeping the good balance between tablets, exercise and monitoring. She stresses on wellness rather than illness. She is very courteous and professional.

I have been of patient of the North Raleigh Medical Center for almost 15 years. The staff always has been welcoming and accommodating. I enjoy the convenience of the walk-in clinic for my family’s needs. All the providers give comprehensive yet compassionate care.

North Raleigh Medical Center has been my PCP Location for years and the services, facilities, Scheduling, billing, prescriptions, Lab results etc., process is fully streamlined and convenient for the client. Dr. Sachdeva and a couple of Physician Assistants are very professional, caring and attentive to requests/questions. Dr. Sachdeva has been a trusted physician for my family members and was always available to provide quick guidance.