Diabetes

Nightwater Medical Center

Primary Care Physician & Concierge Medicine located in the South Market District serving Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, LA

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, you understand the importance of regular medical care and medical diagnostics. With diabetes, you want to avoid fluctuations in your glucose levels. At Nightwater Medical Center in Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, Louisiana, Paul Ikemire, MD, treats many patients living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Call the office or book an appointment online today to receive expert help managing your diabetes.

504-313-1223

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which your body produces too much sugar (glucose). Normally, your pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which helps the glucose from food move to your cells to give you the energy you need to function. If you have diabetes, your body makes too little or no insulin at all.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, usually occurs in children and young adults. Only 5% of diabetes patients are type 1.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Over time, your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin to keep your blood sugar (glucose) at a normal level.

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy; changes in your hormones prevent your body from using insulin normally.

Monogenic diabetes is a rare (1-4%) form of diabetes from alterations of just one gene. It's inherited.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent urination
Frequent thirst
Hunger
Excessive fatigue
Blurred vision
Minor cuts and bruises that don't heal well
Weight loss (type 1)
Tingling, pain, or lack of feeling in your hands or feet (type 2)

If you're experiencing symptoms of diabetes, schedule an appointment for an official evaluation and diagnosis.

What are effective treatments for diabetes?

Nightwater Medical Center provides comprehensive, integrated treatment for individuals living with diabetes. Those with type 1 diabetes need supplemental insulin to live, while some people with type 2 diabetes can manage their diabetes without medication.

Consequently, the practice provides medication management in addition to fitness and nutritional recommendations to help you manage your diabetes more effectively.

Plus, when you join the concierge medicine program at Nightwater Medical Center, you not only get a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on helping you make lifestyle choices, but you also get support and ongoing feedback to help you stay focused.

What is the role of nutrition and exercise in diabetes?

Nightwater Medical Center provides detailed guidance about healthy food choices when you are living with diabetes. Beans, dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, berries, tomatoes, fish, whole grains, nuts, and milk and low-fat yogurt are all diabetes "superfoods" that can help normalize your insulin levels.

Exercise is also important. If you have type 1 diabetes, your physician explains ways to understand your body's response to exercise, preventing your blood glucose from being too high or too low.

If you have type 2 diabetes and you're overweight, your provider works with you to develop a simple exercise program. Being active stimulates your cells and helps insulin work more effectively.

Call the office or book an appointment online today if you suspect you have diabetes and would like help managing your condition.