Diabetes
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AccessMedicine
Direct Primary Care & Family Medicine located in Williamston, NC
If you have diabetes, you need ongoing medical care from a compassionate doctor who takes the time to help you cope with both the physical and emotional demands of living with a chronic disease. Dr. Steven Manning, a dedicated primary care physician, offers point-of-care testing, treatment, and extending counseling visits at AccessMedicine in Williamston, North Carolina. If you live in the Williamston area, set up your first diabetes consultation by contacting Dr. Manning using the online form or by calling his helpful, understanding staff.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body processes glucose, a necessary nutrient that gives your cells energy. Normally, your pancreas — a small organ located behind your stomach — produces and secretes a hormone called insulin, which ushers glucose into your cells so they can convert it into energy.
When you have diabetes, you don’t produce enough insulin. When you eat food and your body breaks it down it into glucose, the glucose stays in your bloodstream instead of energizing your cells.
How do you get diabetes?
You can have one of three types of diabetes. Each type has a different cause.
Type 1 diabetes
This rare form of diabetes is probably inherited. Your immune system attacks the islet cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Since you can’t make your own insulin, you must inject yourself with insulin shots every day.
Type 2 diabetes
In Type 2, your body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin; you can’t produce enough insulin to compensate for that resistance. You usually develop Type 2 diabetes because of lifestyle factors, such as:
- Being overweight
- Not getting enough exercise
- Eating too much sugar
The good news about Type 2 diabetes is that, in many cases, Dr. Manning helps you manage it without medication. If you change your diet and add more activities into your day, you may be able to control your blood sugar (glucose) levels on your own.
Gestational diabetes
Women often develop diabetes while they’re pregnant due to temporary hormonal changes. Dr. Manning keeps you and your baby safe by monitoring your blood sugar, recommending lifestyle changes, and prescribing medication, when necessary.
How can I find out if I have diabetes?
If you have symptoms, such as excessive thirst, fatigue, or wounds that take a long time to heal, you should contact Dr. Manning for a diabetes test. He also monitors your blood for glucose levels during your regular annual examinations.
At AccessMedicine, Dr. Manning offers point-of-care testing for diabetes. Your results are ready within hours.
How do doctors treat diabetes?
Dr. Manning tailors your diabetes treatments to the type of diabetes you have and your unique situation. Because dealing with a chronic disease can be taxing physically and emotionally, Dr. Manning offers extended visits for counseling. You never feel rushed at AccessMedicine.
To get the diabetes care you need, contact Dr. Manning by phone or via the online form.
