Diabetes

About 10% of American adults have diabetes today — and over the next few decades, it might affect up to one-third of all Americans. At Prosperity Internal Medicine, the experienced medical providers, including Tarique Zahir, MD, and Taseen Mir, MD, build a relationship with you, working with you to understand your diabetes and other factors that affect your health. The practice offers effective diabetes management, including medical weight loss and semaglutide therapy, in the Reston, Virginia, office, so request an in-person or telehealth appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which your body doesn’t produce or respond to insulin, the hormone that helps you process glucose (sugar) and use it for energy. The sugary foods you eat and carbohydrates are both broken down into glucose that your body needs to process. 

But, if you have diabetes, the glucose remains in your blood. This can lead to severe damage to many parts of your body over time, including the nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and heart. Types of diabetes are:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and isn’t preventable. It occurs when the immune system launches an attack on the beta cells in your pancreas. Because these cells produce insulin, you’re no longer able to do so and can’t process glucose. 

Type 1 diabetes has a strong genetic component, and environmental factors like virus exposure may trigger it. 

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a preventable condition that affects people who make and use insulin normally but gradually become unable to do so (insulin resistance). If insulin resistance isn’t treated, Type 2 diabetes can develop. 

The most common factor in developing Type 2 diabetes is extra weight, particularly in the waist. Lack of exercise and a family history of Type 2 diabetes can also contribute. 

When should I start diabetes management? 

Diabetes management should start the moment you get a diabetes diagnosis. Whether you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes or already have the disease, you can take steps to regulate your insulin levels and prevent your disease from worsening. 

Prosperity Internal Medicine provides expert diabetes management in the Reston office, providing a long-term support system if you have this disease.

How is diabetes treated?

With Type 2 diabetes, treatment focuses heavily on lifestyle. Changes to your diet and exercise routine can significantly improve your general health while preventing the disease from worsening. Many people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition without using insulin. 

Semaglutide therapy is an effective option for many people with Type 2 diabetes. The injections help you control your blood sugar levels, and it’s also very effective for weight loss and reducing your risk of complications.

Some people with Type 2 diabetes may eventually need insulin injections, and all people with type 1 must use insulin. 

For expert diabetes management, call Prosperity Internal Medicine or book an appointment online today.