Diabetes Specialist
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Nabeel Khan, MD
Primary Care Practice located in Huntsville, TX
Did you know that approximately 9.4% of the population has diabetes? That’s over 30 million people. Left untreated, diabetes increases your risk of serious health problems, including nerve damage, heart disease, and even amputation. At Nabeel Khan, MD, in Huntsville, Texas, Dr. Khan and the team offer comprehensive treatment and preventive care for diabetes. To request your appointment, call the office or click the online booking tool today.
Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of diseases that impact your body’s ability to use glucose (blood sugar). Glucose plays an important role in your overall health and provides energy for your cells that make up your muscles and tissues.
There are three types of diabetes, but they all cause high levels of blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels are too high for an extended period of time, you’re more likely to develop life-threatening health problems and complications.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The symptoms of diabetes depend on your blood sugar levels. If you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, you might not experience any symptoms at all. However, the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes develop quickly and include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurry vision
As your condition progresses, you might also experience pins and needles sensations in your hands and feet, or open sores and wounds that heal slowly.
Are there different types of diabetes?
At Nabeel A. Khan, MD, the team regularly diagnoses and treats the three types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes
If you have Type 1 diabetes, it means your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels. With Type 1 diabetes, your immune system attacks the beta cells in your pancreas. Experts aren’t sure what causes Type 1 diabetes, but it’s thought to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.
Type 2 diabetes
With Type 2 diabetes, your body produces insulin, but your pancreas doesn’t use it effectively. You’re more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you’re overweight or live a primarily sedentary lifestyle.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes only affects women and develops during pregnancy. Most of the time, gestational diabetes subsides after giving birth, but if it isn’t carefully monitored, it may increase your risk of complications and also put your baby’s health at risk.
How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?
The team at Nabeel A. Khan, MD, diagnoses diabetes by performing a physical exam, reviewing your medical history, and performing a series of blood tests.
Your diabetes treatment depends on your overall health and the type you have. For example, if you have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, your provider might recommend losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and exercising regularly. Sometimes, these steps are enough to reverse the condition altogether.
If you have Type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy and other prescription medications are necessary. Your doctor might also recommend an exercise plan, nutrition counseling, and weight loss management.
If you’re concerned about your risk of diabetes, make an appointment by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool today.
