Diabetes Specialist
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Endocrine Associates of West Village PC
Endocrinology located in Long Island City and Astoria, Long Island City, NY & Murray Hill, New York, NY
More than 100 million adults in the United States suffer from some form of diabetes, a chronic condition that involves how your body processes glucose. Anastasios Manessis, MD, FACE, ECNU, ABOM, and the team at Endocrine Associates of West Village PC have expertise in diagnosing diabetes and offer the latest treatments to help you manage your condition. Call the offices in Long Island City, Astoria, & Murray Hill, New York, NY, or easily schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects your metabolic system. When you have diabetes, your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin, doesn’t produce any insulin, or can’t effectively use the insulin it does produce. Insulin is important in helping you convert sugar to energy.
Diabetes can cause your levels of glucose, or blood sugar, to remain too high, damaging your long-term health. Glucose comes from the foods you eat and beverages you drink.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in adolescence or young adulthood. With Type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make the insulin it needs to keep your blood sugar levels at a healthy level.
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in older adults, but it’s increasingly being seen in younger patients as well. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin to regulate your blood sugar, and often your body can’t properly use the insulin it does produce.
You may be diagnosed as prediabetic if you have high blood sugar levels that aren’t quite high enough to be classified as diabetes. Untreated prediabetes puts you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, some women develop gestational diabetes during the second trimester of pregnancy. The placenta makes a hormone that can interfere with insulin production and use. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born but can increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes later.
What complications can diabetes cause?
Diabetes puts you at risk for a variety of health problems, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve problems
- Nephropathy, or kidney damage and disease
- Retinopathy, or blurry vision and eye damage
- Cardiovascular (heart) disease
- Foot damage
Depression and dementia are also associated with diabetes.
How is diabetes treated?
The Endocrine Associates of West Village PC team offers personalized treatment options to manage diabetes. In addition to lifestyle modifications and medication, you have access to state-of-the-art treatments, including continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps.
These devices monitor your blood sugar levels and deliver a precise dose of insulin to ensure a consistent, healthy glucose level throughout the day. Depending on your needs, your provider recommends a continuous stream of insulin or as-needed doses.
The team works with you to take control of your diet, exercise, and life to improve and protect your health. Effective care reduces your risk of complications, including vision loss, neuropathy, and diabetic ulcers.
For expert management of diabetes, call Endocrine Associates of West Village PC or book an appointment online today.
