Diabetes Specialist
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Grace Wong, M.D.
Internal Medicine located in Burbank, CA
As many as 30.3 million Americans live with diabetes, including many who are undiagnosed. For those living in and around Burbank, California, Grace Wong, MD, offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services. Left unmanaged, diabetes can cause serious negative health effects, so schedule an appointment today. You can book a visit online or by phone.
Diabetes
What is diabetes?
To understand diabetes, it helps to think about how your body processes food into energy. Every time you eat, your body converts food into glucose, a type of sugar. The glucose travels through your blood to various organs and cells, delivering nutrients that those cells need to thrive.
A hormone called insulin allows the glucose to enter the cells so that the stored energy can be put to good use. Without adequate insulin, the glucose cannot enter and is effectively trapped in your blood. That excess glucose can cause wide-ranging health problems.
There are two primary types of diabetes. People with Type 1 have an immune system malfunction that mistakenly attacks their pancreatic cells, which is where insulin is produced. They can’t make their own insulin and can die without supplemental insulin.
Men and women with Type 2 diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or cannot make proper use of the insulin they do produce. This is the most common type of diabetes and is a serious health concern on both the personal and public level.
What are the health risks associated with diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you are at an elevated risk for many other health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Foot problems, including amputation
- Kidney disease
- Eye health problems
- Nerve damage
- Dental disease
There is no cure for diabetes, but an effective management plan can lower your risk level and improve your daily quality of life.
How is diabetes treated?
Medication usually plays a role in managing your diabetes. Supplemental insulin is a common part of treatment and is self-administered via daily injections or a special pump. You’ll need to monitor your blood sugar to make sure your insulin levels are stable.
Other medications help by stimulating your pancreas to produce more insulin or altering the way your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates. Dr. Wong advises you on the right medication routine and makes needed adjustments as your treatment plan progresses.
Lifestyle changes can go a long way toward treating diabetes. Dr. Wong offers guidance and support to help you quit smoking, reach a healthier weight, and increase your daily activity levels.
When you’re ready to get started, book a visit online or by phone.
