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Diabetes Specialist

Morgan Hill Internal Medicine Our Services Diabetes

Morgan Hill Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine located in Morgan Hill, CA

Diabetes is a chronic condition that isn't curable, but it can be managed in a very effective way with the right help and guidance. Internal medicine physicians Devang Shah, MD, and Nimisha Shah, MD, at Morgan Hill Internal Medicine in Morgan Hill, California, can help with diabetes treatment and management including lifestyle adjustments and medication if needed. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Diabetes Q & A

What is Type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes because it's most often diagnosed in children and young people. If you have Type 1 diabetes, your body can’t make insulin, so you have to replace normal insulin production with supplemental insulin. Type 1 diabetes can be very serious and even deadly, but it can be controlled with the help of an experienced doctor.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, is most often diagnosed during early adulthood or middle age, but it can be diagnosed at any time. In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but it's not processed in the right way. This is called insulin resistance.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1, and it's quite different because it's almost always a preventable condition. If Type 2 diabetes isn't treated promptly, the body gradually begins to produce less insulin. This means that over time, lack of treatment can lead to Type 2 diabetes becoming more like Type 1 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes can include:

  • Increased thirst levels
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in appetite
  • Unexplained weight changes

What are the risk factors for diabetes?

The risk factors for Type 1 diabetes include:

  • A family history of diabetes: If you have a parent or a sibling who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, you may be at a higher risk for developing it.
  • Genetics: Some specific genes appear to indicate a greater risk for Type 1 diabetes.
  • Age: There are two main age groups at greater risk for initial Type 1 diabetes diagnosis — ages 4-7 and 10-14.

The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Age: Patients 45 and up have an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes.
  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle)
  • Excess weight or obesity

How is diabetes treated?

Type 1 diabetes is typically treated with insulin injections or daily use of an insulin pump. Lifestyle choices like dietary changes are often recommended as well. Type 2 diabetes is usually treated with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Call Morgan Hill Internal Medicine or book online today to schedule an appointment today.