Diabetes Mellitus Treatment in the Bay Area

CDE Medical Associates provides highly skilled care for those with diabetes and related conditions.

• What is diabetes?
• Diabetes Symptoms
• How is diabetes diagnosed?
• Diabetes Treatment Options
• Diabetes Risks and Complications
• Is diabetes preventable?
• When to See an Endocrinologist for Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition in which your body does not have enough insulin, or is unable to use the insulin it has, to turn blood sugar from food into energy. There are three types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes

Only about 5-10% of those with diabetes have type 1, and it is most often diagnosed in young adults, teens, and children. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin, so patients with this form of diabetes must take insulin every day.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is much more common, claiming about 90-95% of those with diabetes, and it’s typically diagnosed in adults. Those with type 2 diabetes lack the ability to use insulin well and keep blood sugar at normal levels, and this issue usually develops over many years. If you know you’re at risk, you can prevent or at least delay the onset with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, a healthy diet, and body movement.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in women when their bodies cannot produce enough insulin during pregnancy, and it typically goes away after the baby is born. Gestational diabetes can make the woman more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life and the baby at risk for health problems, such as having obesity and type 2 diabetes, as a child or teen.

Diabetes Symptoms

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes symptoms include the following:

• Blurry vision
• Frequent/recurring infections (skin, mouth, vaginal, or bladder)
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Cuts or bruises that heal slowly
• Irritability
• Unusual weight loss
• Fatigue
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

How is diabetes diagnosed?

We employ a variety of diagnostic tests in our office to diagnose diabetes, including digital fundoscopy, nerve conduction, RMR, sudoscan, ANS monitoring, CV profiler, and lab services.

Diabetes Treatment Options

As the expert diabetologists in CA, we use advanced technology and premium equipment to diagnose and treat patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. When you come in for a consultation, we gather your medical history and conduct a physical exam, before performing a series of tests, including C-peptide levels, Hemoglobin A1c, and insulin, and downloading blood sugar monitoring device measurements on our computers.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is also called juvenile diabetes since it is most often diagnosed in children. However, it can also affect adults. We provide a variety of treatment options and work carefully to customize your treatment plan according to your needs. We have continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) in our office to aid in refining treatment patterns as well as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) to assist with chronic management.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

We treat type 2 diabetes with comprehensive plans that combine diet, exercise, and medication. Our treatment plans are extremely successful, and many of our patients have been taken off insulin and/or medication as a result.

Diabetes Risks and Complications

It’s extremely important to be proactive about managing your diabetes. Getting the help you need is essential because, when not treated properly, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and stroke. Regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels and making healthy lifestyle choices are the first steps in taking an active approach to dealing with your diabetes.

Is diabetes preventable?

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, but type 2 diabetes, in which the body may still produce insulin but cannot use it effectively, can be prevented or at least delayed though lifestyle changes. We help our patients lower the risk of getting diabetes through weight management, diet, and exercise.

When to See an Endocrinologist for Diabetes

If you’re brand new to diabetes and/or would like expert assistance in managing it, it’s important to come in and see one of our diabetes specialists. We have extensive experience treating diabetes, so if you’re treatment isn’t working, managing the disease has gotten tough, or you’ve run into some complications, make an appointment with us. We are diabetes doctors that work well with primary doctors, and our mission is to provide the most comprehensive care possible.