Diabetes

If you’re among the nearly 30 million people in the United States with diabetes, you need and deserve compassionate and personalized care. At Dr. Becky’s Family Practice, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Long, MD, provides diabetes management to patients who live in and around Salisbury, Maryland. Via telehealth or house calls, Dr. Becky helps you manage this complex condition to avoid complications. Call today or use the online tool to book your diabetes management appointment.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. 

With diabetes, your body does not produce insulin at all or doesn’t produce enough insulin to manage your blood sugar levels (glucose levels). Insulin is a hormone that helps shuttle glucose into your cells. 

The two main types are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that results from the immune system mistakenly attacking and destroying insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy. 

Type 2 diabetes, which is more common in adults, involves the body's ineffective use of insulin and often develops due to a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle choices. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed later in life but is increasing in teens and young adults. 

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy, posing risks to both mother and baby. It has characteristics similar to Type 2 diabetes.

Each type requires a tailored approach to management, involving medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

What does diabetes management involve?

Diabetes management requires collaboration between you, Dr. Becky, and any other specialists on your health care team. 

The practice emphasizes a holistic approach that includes regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medication when necessary. Dr. Becky wants you to lead a complete, fulfilling life while keeping any complications of diabetes from developing. 

What lifestyle modifications help with diabetes management?

Lifestyle modifications are an essential part of diabetes management. Dr. Becky often recommends a balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight management. These changes contribute to blood sugar control and promote overall health and well-being.

What are the complications of unmanaged diabetes?

Without expert management of unmanaged diabetes, you’re at risk of many complications. Having chronically high blood sugar wreaks havoc on your system. Complications may include:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Kidney disease or failure
• Eye complications
• Neuropathy, or nerve damage
• Foot problems
• Slow wound healing

Working with someone like Dr. Becky to manage your diabetes is critical. She develops a treatment plan to monitor your blood sugar levels, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and take prescribed medications. 

Regular check-ups and screenings help detect and address potential complications early, reducing the risk of long-term health issues. Dr. Becky goes over blood work results in person so you understand the results and have a physical copy of the paperwork.

Call Dr. Becky’s Family Practice to set up your appointment or use the website to book a telehealth visit.