Diabetes

Diabetes presents risks of serious complications, including heart problems and even amputation in more severe cases.

Diabetes

At his private practice in Miami, Z. Rafael Abad, M.D., P.A., is a dedicated family medicine physician who can help you control and manage your diabetes and lower your risk of complications.

Dr. Abad strives to help you achieve better metabolic health and regulate your blood sugar. Call the office or simply request an appointment online.

01


What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus refers to a cluster of diseases that impact the way your body utilizes blood sugar (glucose). With diabetes, you have excess glucose circulating in your bloodstream. Glucose is a primary energy source for your body.

Your pancreas is a gland that produces a hormone called insulin. Every time you consume sugar and foods that turn into sugar inside your body, your pancreas releases insulin to help manage and store sugar in your cells for use.

A main purpose of insulin is to lower your blood sugar levels. When the level of sugar in your blood drops, so does the insulin production from your pancreas.

02


What are the different types of diabetes?

Most types of diabetes present symptoms: For example, you might have excessive thirst and hunger and frequent urination.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes happens when your immune system begins attacking the pancreatic cells that produce insulin instead of fighting off harmful bacteria and viruses.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes becomes more common as you age and involves the pancreatic cells gradually becoming resistant to insulin until finally, your pancreas can’t produce sufficient insulin to overcome this resistance.

Prediabetes

Over time, prediabetes can turn into Type 2 diabetes. When your blood sugar levels are above average, but not high enough to be considered diabetes, you have prediabetes and concerning blood sugar levels.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during a woman’s pregnancy and often subsides after childbirth.

03


What causes diabetes?

It isn’t clear what causes diabetes and multiple factors might be involved, such as:

  • Hormones
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • AgingInactivity
  • Genetics
  • Certain medical conditions, such as those for high blood pressure

Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as nerve damage.

04


What is HgA1C?

HgA1C or hemoglobin A1C refers to a test for a specific type of protein on the surface of red blood cells. Sugar molecules stick to this protein, typically for the life of the red blood cell, which is around three months.

The higher the level of glucose present in the blood, the higher the level of HgA1C that can be detected on red blood cells.

HgA1C levels correlate with the average levels of glucose in your blood over approximately a three-month timeline. HgA1C tests are routinely used to determine blood sugar control over time in diabetics or to assess the risk of developing diabetes.

Dr. Abad provides innovative testing and treatments for diabetes, including medications like insulin and anti-inflammatories. He also suggests lifestyle changes, such as nutritional counseling, stress management, and regular appropriate exercise.

 Diabetes management needs the assistance of a highly qualified physician. Call Dr. Abad or book online today.

Request an Appointment | Dr. Abad

Please Note: Our office will reach out to you directly to confirm your appointment date and time.

Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


Request an Appointment | Dr. Abad

Please Note: Our office will reach out to you directly to confirm your appointment date and time.

Office hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.