Diabetes

Approximately 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have the disorder. At The EnLyv Clinics, Vivek Bansal, MD, and the team of providers offer exceptional diabetes care to patients aged 12 and older. Serving the community at their locations in Bridgewater Township, Flemington, and Edison, New Jersey, providers can help you manage your condition and symptoms like chronic fatigue, frequent urination, or nerve damage. To learn more, call the welcoming staff today or reach out online.

What is diabetes?

The cells that make up your muscles and tissues use glucose (blood sugar) for energy; glucose is also your brain’s primary fuel source. With any type of diabetes, your body produces excess glucose in your blood, which can lead to severe health concerns. 

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are chronic conditions — Type 1 diabetes can begin at any age but often starts in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is more common and can develop at any age.

Prediabetes is reversible and happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. 

Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy but may go away when the baby is born. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Some people with prediabetes or gestational diabetes may not experience noticeable concerns. Symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth 
• Frequent urination 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle weakness 
• Irritability 
• Mood swings
• Blurred vision 
• Slow-healing wounds or cuts
• Frequent infections (skin, gum, or vaginal infections)

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to complications like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and nerve and kidney damage.

What are diabetes treatment options?

Your provider performs comprehensive blood tests and a glucose tolerance test and may test your urine for the presence of ketones. 

Enlyv Clinic offers various care options, and Dr. Bansal, a triple board-certified endocrinologist, monitors all treatments. 

Insulin

If you have Type 2 diabetes, you may need synthetic insulin injections, but if you have Type 1 diabetes, you need insulin to survive. You can inject insulin as a shot, with an insulin pen or pump, or use a rapid-acting inhaler.  

Blood sugar monitoring

Monitoring your blood sugar with a glucose meter and/or finger stick with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) helps you manage your diabetes consistently. 

Oral diabetes medications

If you have Type 2 or gestational diabetes or prediabetes and still produce some insulin, medications can help manage your blood sugar levels. Metformin is a popular option. 

Lifestyle changes

Your provider may recommend a high-fiber, balanced diet and more physical activity. They may encourage a weight loss program to help you achieve a healthy weight. 

A healthy lifestyle can also lower your risk for developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

For excellent diabetes care, call The EnLyv Clinics today or use the online booking tool.