Diabetes Specialist
Nizar A Tejani, MD PC
Primary Care & Infectious Disease Specialist located in Stockbridge, GA
About 537 million adults have diabetes worldwide today, and the number is steadily rising. At Nizar A. Tejani MD PC, the internal medicine practice of dedicated physician Nizar Tejani, MD, MPH, you receive the best in individualized diabetes care and management. Dr. Tejani treats you as a whole person, taking the time to truly understand and address the effects of diabetes so you can enjoy the best quality of life. Call the Stockbridge, Georgia, office, or click the provided booking link today.
Diabetes Q&A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which your blood glucose (sugar) is consistently higher than it should be. Glucose, which comes from the food you eat, is your body's primary fuel. Normally, your pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get into the cells throughout your body so you can use it for energy.
When you have diabetes, however, your pancreas doesn't make insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or your insulin doesn't work properly (Type 2 diabetes). When glucose can't enter your cells, it builds up, leading to a high blood sugar level. This can cause issues such as:
- Vision loss
- Nonhealing wounds
- Frequent infections
- Kidney damage
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Nerve damage
Diabetes is also a significant risk factor for depression and cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
What causes diabetes?
The cause of Type 1 diabetes isn’t certain. Experts believe multiple factors are involved in this autoimmune disease. A trigger, like a virus, may spur the disease if you have certain genes. You can't prevent Type 1 diabetes, and lifestyle factors don't influence its development.
The exact causes of Type 2 diabetes are uncertain as well, but extra weight and an inactive lifestyle are the main factors involved. Many people with Type 2 diabetes struggle with their health, including weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Because these factors are controllable, you can prevent Type 2 diabetes.
What is the treatment for diabetes?
Diabetes treatment is multifaceted and highly customized for your individual needs.
Type 1 diabetes
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you must receive insulin to live. You can use either needles to inject yourself with the insulin, or an insulin pump that delivers insulin into your blood through a small implanted tube.
Type 1 diabetics can also benefit from lifestyle changes, so Dr. Tejani can help you maximize your health through diet and exercise.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your initial treatment may involve only lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, weight loss, and regular exercise can make a big difference in your overall health and blood glucose levels.
If your blood glucose remains too high despite health improvements, you may need oral medication. In the late stages of Type 2 diabetes — for example, after 20 years or longer with the disease — you may need daily insulin. But being proactive about your health can help you avoid insulin in many cases.
Dr. Tejani doesn’t just medicate your diabetes. He treats you from within, helping you reach good health from head to toe. This holistic whole-body approach gives you both short-term and long-term improvements so you can truly maximize your health.
For diabetes help, call Nizar A. Tejani MD PC, or book an appointment using online scheduling now.