Diabetes

If you have or are at risk for diabetes, managing your health properly can extend your life by as long as a decade. At N-of-1 Medicine in Santa Monica, California, you’ll find expert diabetes care that meets you where you are. Whether you need help to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes or expert diabetes management, the Los Angeles-area practice offers primary care that’s individualized for you. Book your appointment online or phone the office now.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that happens when you don’t make (Type 1 diabetes) or properly respond (Type 2 diabetes) to a hormone called insulin. 

You need stable insulin levels to process carbohydrates, so when you don’t have enough or can’t use the insulin you have, your blood sugar levels rise. 

High blood sugar is dangerous. It can lead to nerve and blood vessel damage, ultimately causing complications like vision loss, kidney damage, liver damage, and nonhealing ulcers.

What causes diabetes?

Causes vary with the type.

Type 1 diabetes

Your pancreas is responsible for making insulin. Type 1 diabetes happens because the body mistakenly attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. 

The root cause of this autoimmune reaction isn’t known, but you can inherit a higher risk for it. This kind of diabetes isn’t preventable.

Type 2 diabetes

You can usually avert Type 2 diabetes. It happens mainly because the body starts resisting insulin (even though it’s still present), or because the pancreas starts making too little insulin. 

The root cause of this insulin problem is usually tied to two main things: carrying extra weight and a lack of physical activity. Although genetics can increase your risk, Type 2 diabetes can usually be avoided if you’re proactive about protecting your health. 

I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Now what?

It’s naturally a big shock to receive this diagnosis, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone. N-of-1 Medicine specializes in treating Type 2 diabetes with a proven lifestyle medicine approach that focuses on lowering blood sugar, preventing complications, and reversing the effects of diabetes. 

Medical weight loss is extremely beneficial for patients with Type 2 diabetes. It includes nutrition, exercise, and the latest weight-loss injections like Zepbound™ and Wegovy® to help improve blood sugar and shed extra pounds. 

N-of-1 Medicine treats you as a whole person. You get comprehensive primary care geared for your diabetes and other medical needs, such as mental health support, sleep disorder help, stress management, and whatever else you need to achieve good health. 

Using this lifestyle approach, most people with Type 2 diabetes can stop their disease from worsening and avoid a lifetime of insulin injections. But, the earlier you get started on fighting the disease, the better. Book your first visit online or call N-of-1 Medicine now.