Diabetes Specialist

North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists

Internal Medicine located in Plano, TX

Diabetes is a life-altering condition with many potential complications, but the good news is that if you receive expert treatment, your outlook is considerably brighter. Mihaela Perijoc, MD, MHA, of North Texas Internal Medicine Specialists in Plano, Texas, is a highly qualified functional medicine physician who excels in helping patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes. Find out how Dr. Perijoc can improve your health and help you lead a full life when you have diabetes by calling the clinic today or booking an appointment online.

214-216-6921

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects the way your body makes use of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Glucose provides fuel for your muscles and soft tissues and is the main source of energy for the brain, so if your body isn’t regulating the levels of glucose correctly, it can lead to serious health problems like:

Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Atherosclerosis
Neuropathy
Kidney damage
Diabetic retinopathy
Hearing problems
Depression
Impaired circulation
Diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetes develops as a result of an insulin imbalance in your bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone secreted by your pancreas to keep the glucose in your blood at optimal levels.

Are there different types of diabetes?

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

The trigger for Type 1 diabetes isn’t known for sure, although genetics and environmental factors may play a role. With this form of diabetes, your immune system targets the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. The levels of insulin in your blood fall, and as a result, glucose builds up in your bloodstream. Type 1 diabetes can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops because the cells in your body become resistant to insulin, which means glucose levels in your bloodstream rise to unhealthy levels. While genetics and environmental factors do influence your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, being overweight is known to be a trigger.

You can also get gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Your symptoms differ according to the level of glucose in your blood and the type of diabetes you have. If you have Type 1, symptoms may be more noticeable as they usually develop quickly and are more severe. Type 2 diabetes tends to exhibit fewer symptoms and come on more gradually, so you may not realize there’s anything wrong at first.

Symptoms include:

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Increased appetite
Unintended weight loss
Extreme tiredness
Irritability
Blurry vision

You may also get more infections and illnesses, and wounds may be slow to heal.

How is diabetes treated?

Dr. Perijoc prepares a personalized treatment program for you based on the type of diabetes you have and your blood glucose levels. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight are fundamental to the successful management of Type 2 diabetes. Medication to treat symptoms of diabetes is also available.

For comprehensive diabetes management, call the office today or book online.

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