Diabetes Specialist
Nu Wave Medical Center
Gurprit Sekhon, MD
Internal Medicine located in Panama City Beach, FL
More than two million adults in Florida have diabetes. With the right care, you can manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications such as heart or kidney disease. Gurprit Sekhon, MD, at Nu Wave Medical Center in Panama City Beach, Florida, provides medical management for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. If you’re having a difficult time managing your blood sugar and diabetes, call the office today, or use the online booking tool to get the help you need from a compassionate team of medical professionals.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition in which your body’s ability to use insulin, a growth hormone made in your pancreas, is impaired leading to elevated glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream.
Glucose is your body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Insulin helps carry the glucose from your bloodstream into your cell to supply the energy. If your insulin is impaired in some way, the glucose remains in your bloodstream and causes a number of symptoms and medical complications.
What are the types of diabetes?
Diabetes is classified into types based on the function of your insulin.
Type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin and must inject themselves with insulin to maintain blood sugar control. Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but is more common in children.
Type 2 diabetes
People with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but the body isn’t able to use it properly. Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age but usually develops in adults. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is also a type of diabetes that develops in women during pregnancy. If you have a history of gestational diabetes, you’re at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes vary and may depend on your type. People with Type 1 diabetes tend to develop symptoms within weeks, although it may take years for people with Type 2 diabetes to notice the changes the elevated blood sugar is doing to their body.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Insatiable thirst and hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Tingling in your hand or feet
- Wounds that won’t heal
- Blurry vision
The team at Nu Wave Medical Center can help you stay on top of your health when you come in for your annual physical. Getting your blood sugar levels checked regularly helps Dr. Sekhon diagnose Type 2 diabetes early, before you notice the symptoms.
How can I improve my blood sugar?
Dr. Sekhon develops individualized treatment plans based on diabetes type and lifestyle to help you improve your blood sugar.
Treatment may include:
- Insulin injections, primarily for Type 1 diabetes
- Oral medication, for Type 2 diabetes only
- Diet
- Exercise
Gaining control over your blood sugar may help prevent you from developing complications related to diabetes, such as kidney and heart disease or nerve damage.
For diabetes management, call the medical experts at Nu Wave Medical Center, or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.