Diabetes Overview
Diabetes impacts how the body processes glucose from food. In diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't properly use the insulin it makes. This causes high blood sugar levels that can damage organs over time. The two main types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune disease where the pancreas stops making insulin. It is usually diagnosed in childhood. Daily insulin injections are required to regulate blood sugar.
Type 2 Diabetes
The body doesn't effectively use insulin. It accounts for 90-95% of diabetes cases and is linked to family history, inactivity, and excess weight. It can be managed through lifestyle, oral meds, and sometimes insulin.
Comprehensive Diabetes Care at Bradley Health Care
At Bradley Health Care, our experienced physicians, nurses, dietitians, and diabetes educators provide complete care including:
- Blood sugar testing and monitoring
- Insulin therapy and medication management
- Nutrition counseling
- Fitness and wellness coaching
- Diabetes education classes
- Retinal, foot, and skin exams
- Individualized treatment plans
We partner with each patient to develop a personalized plan to manage blood sugar, prevent complications, and improve overall health.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Keeping blood glucose levels in a healthy range is key. We provide testing supplies and teach patients how to self-monitor blood sugar. For some patients, continuous glucose monitoring is recommended.
Hemoglobin A1C Testing
This lab test shows average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. We recommend testing every 6 months to assess diabetes control and treatment effectiveness.
Preventing High and Low Blood Sugar
We educate patients on preventing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) through proper medication use, carb counting, activity, and blood sugar monitoring.
Medications and Insulin Therapy
If diabetes cannot be managed through lifestyle alone, we prescribe oral medications or insulin therapy. We teach proper administration and dosing to keep blood sugar balanced.
Oral Medications
Pills can enhance the body's ability to produce and utilize insulin. Options include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, and more. Our doctors determine the most suitable medications for each patient.
Insulin Administration
For patients requiring insulin, we provide customized plans for injecting or pumping insulin. This includes basal, bolus, and correction dose insulin regimens to maximize control.
Lifestyle and Nutrition Counseling
Healthy lifestyle habits are critical for diabetes management. Our dietitians offer personalized nutrition plans while our fitness coaches create tailored exercise programs.
Nutritious Meal Planning
We educate patients on eating plans to maintain healthy blood sugar levels through portion control, carb counting, and building balanced meals and snacks.
Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
Our dietitians provide delicious recipes for diabetes-friendly meals and desserts to help patients eat well without deprivation.
Activity and Exercise
Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity. We develop customized exercise plans that fit each patient's needs and abilities for improved blood sugar control.
Diabetes Education
Successful diabetes management requires comprehensive education. We offer group classes and one-on-one training to empower patients with knowledge.
One-on-One Counseling
Individual sessions allow asking specific questions and getting tailored guidance for optimal self-care based on personal needs.
Group Classes
Our small group courses cover key diabetes topics and allow learning from peers facing similar challenges.
Ongoing Support
We provide continuous re-education and encouragement through follow-ups to help patients put diabetes care principles into practice for lasting success.
Preventing Diabetes Complications
Consistently high blood sugar can progressively damage organs. We screen for and treat complications to preserve health.
Eye Exams
Annual diabetic eye exams check for retinopathy which harms vision. Catching it early prevents blindness.
Foot Care
Foot exams identify nerve damage and circulatory issues to prevent ulcers and amputation. We provide customized footwear if needed.
Skin Checks
Inspecting skin helps identify infections and tissue injury early to protect health and mobility.
Dental Visits
More frequent dental cleanings protect gum health. We coordinate care with dental providers.
Our Diabetes Specialists
Our team includes endocrinologists, primary care physicians, nurses, dietitians, fitness experts, and diabetes educators specially trained to provide complete diabetes care.
We individualize treatment and education while partnering with the patient at every stage. Comprehensive diabetes care from Bradley Health Care means living better with diabetes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment