Rodriguez MD’s physicians, Drs. Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez, are dedicated to educating patients about diabetes and diabetes treatments, how to prevent the disease and how to manage it to minimize the presence it has in their lives. While some people find that they have no symptoms and their lives are not significantly impacted, other people struggle from day to day in attempts to gain control of their disease for better health.

Diabetes is a disease in which the blood glucose (or blood sugar levels) are excessively higher than normal. This type of sugar is found in the foods we consume. Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for helping glucose break down into energy for our body cells to use.

The most common type of diabetes and the one most often treated by our Lawrenceville clinic is Type II diabetes. While Type I diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to make insulin, having Type II diabetes means that a person’s body does not make it and/or use insulin well. When the body does not have enough insulin, the glucose remains in the blood. Unfortunately many people are unaware of the extent of the damage to the body that diabetes can cause, which is part of the reason why our Gwinnett physicians are so dedicated to educating our patients on the subject. Over time, the excess glucose in the blood can damage the kidneys, nerves and the eyes. The condition can also cause heart disease, stroke and sometimes results in the need for amputation of a limb.

Some of the symptoms of Type II diabetes may include excessive thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, chronic fatigue and frequent urination. At the same token, some people have no symptoms. Our Gwinnett doctors can have a simple blood test performed in our on-site lab to determine if you have diabetes.

Fortunately, diabetes can be managed and to some degree, prevented. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet that is balanced is essential. Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight is also very important, as is following a daily regimen of healthy physical activity and exercise. Sometimes, insulin may be injected into the body to control symptoms and prevent the damage caused by excessive sugar in the blood.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or you suspect you may have it, please call our Lawrenceville doctors or go to the “Contact Us” page here on our website for more information about how Rodriguez MD Medical Practice can help you.