Diabetes Management

Diabetes is a common chronic disease, affecting about 1 in 8 people in the United States. Managing your diabetes is the best way to avoid heart problems, nerve damage, and other diabetes-related complications. See skilled physician Ruth Odoi, MD, at Ruth Odoi Internal Medicine in Rochester, New York, for a personalized diabetes management plan. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is diabetes management?

Diabetes management at Ruth Odoi Internal Medicine uses lifestyle changes and medications to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range. Left untreated, diabetes can cause high blood sugar levels, which increase the risk of heart disease and other diabetes-related complications. 

Prediabetes occurs before you develop Type 2 diabetes, a type of diabetes in which your body makes insulin but you’re unable to use it effectively. People with Type 1 diabetes don’t make enough insulin. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in some women. 

Managing blood sugar when you have diabetes is the best way to maintain optimal health and well-being.

Which symptoms can diabetes management help address?

The following symptoms might appear because of untreated diabetes:

• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing sores
• Tingling or numbness in your feet or hands 
• Depression

Untreated diabetes may boost your risk of eye damage, foot issues, kidney disease, hearing problems, heart disease, nerve damage, and more. Your risk of depression, heart attack, and stroke is also higher if your diabetes isn’t managed effectively.

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

Diabetes affects nearly 38 million people in the United States, or about 11% of the population. Risk factors might include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Carrying excess body weight
• Poor dietary habits
• Lack of exercise
• Hormone imbalance
• Pancreatic damage
• Genetics
• Autoimmune diseases

Long-term use of some medications may also increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

What can I expect during diabetes management?

Diabetes management involves a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Odoi. She discusses your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. She also completes a physical exam and orders blood tests to evaluate your blood sugar control. You might need additional diagnostic tests to screen for diabetes-related complications.

Dr. Odoi may recommend one or more of the following diabetes treatments:

• Diet and exercise changes
• Oral medications
• Insulin injections
• Insulin pump
• Weight management
• Blood pressure management
• Cholesterol management 
• Combination of treatments

She follows up to ensure your treatment is effective and helps you manage any additional chronic diseases. Call Dr. Odoi anytime with questions or concerns about your treatment or if you develop new symptoms.

Schedule a diabetes management appointment today at Ruth Odoi Internal Medicine by calling the office or using the online booking tab.