At Internal Medicine Associates of Sand Canyon, Dr. Ahsan Rashid and his highly trained staff can both diagnose and effectively treat diabetes with education, medication, and lifestyle changes. The doctor takes great pride in being able to offer the latest technological advancements to all of his patients living in the Irvine, California area.
request an appointmentWhat role does food play in diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, controlling your food/calorie intake may lessen the amount of insulin you need to inject daily to control your blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often seen as a result of a large intake of calories over the years that may inhibit your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels on its own. Frequently a change to healthier foods, the right combinations of foods, and the right portion sizes can help the body of a type 2 diabetes patient recover its ability to control glucose levels.
Some ways Dr. Rashid can help you control your diabetes:
- Inform you about healthier foods and proper food combinations
- Show you proper portion sizes
- Prescribe medication to help your body regulate glucose levels if needed
- Show you how to test your blood sugars daily
- Test your hemoglobin A1C levels to gauge your body’s response to lifestyle changes and medications
Can exercise be used to help control diabetes?
Yes, but it differs depending on whether you have type 1, or type 2 diabetes. Call Dr. Ahsan Rashid at Internal Medicine Associates of Sand Canyon so he and his staff can design a safe and successful program for you to follow.
If you are type 1 and on insulin, your exercise regimen may be quite different from someone who is type 2 and working to control their diabetes through diet, other medications, and exercise. Medical supervision is always advised when making changes to control your diabetes. Exercise is not a cure-all when it comes to diabetes, but under medical supervision, it may help improve your health safely.
What health conditions can be caused by diabetes?
Nerve damage is called diabetic neuropathy, which is recognized as tingling, some numbness, and/or complete loss of feeling in one’s feet and hands due to decreased blood circulation. If it goes unchecked, this may proceed up the affected foot, hand, arm and leg. This numbness may make small injuries go unnoticed and healing may be difficult due to decreased circulation. Always consult your doctor regarding any cut, or wound that isn’t healing to avoid the danger of gangrene setting in and increasing the chance of amputation.
Diabetes can also have a devastating impact on a person’s vision. Dr. Rashid will make sure you have the needed tests annually to maintain your vision health.