Diabetes Specialist
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BY Wound Care Internal Medicine
Byoung Yang, MD
Internal Medicine, Weight Loss & Wound Care located in White Plains, NY
More than 2 million adults in New York have diabetes. Without proper medical management, diabetes can lead to more serious health issues, such as diabetic foot ulcers, heart disease, and peripheral neuropathy. At BY Wound Care Internal Medicine in White Plains, New York, board-certified internal medicine physician Byoung Yang, MD, provides comprehensive care for the management of diabetes to help you gain control over your chronic disease. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Diabetes Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that causes your blood sugar to be elevated above normal levels. There’s no cure for diabetes, but it can be managed when you have the right tools and care.
The sugar in your blood serves as a source of energy for your cells and comes from the food you eat. The hormone insulin, which is made in your pancreas, helps get the sugar from your blood into your cells.
If you have diabetes, it’s due to an issue related to either the production or function of your insulin. How your insulin is affected determines the type of diabetes you have.
Type 1 diabetes
If you have Type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or any insulin at all. This is an autoimmune condition that usually develops during childhood.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin, but it can’t get the sugar into the cell. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults.
Obesity, family history, and lack of physical activity increase your risk of this type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes refers to the type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. A history of gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
How is diabetes diagnosed?
Dr. Yang diagnoses diabetes after a blood test. There are three types of tests he may use:
- Hemoglobin A1C
- Fasting blood glucose
- Random blood glucose
Dr. Yang takes a preventive approach to care and may include some of these tests during your annual physical exam to screen for risk factors of diabetes. If you have risk factors, referred to as prediabetes, making lifestyle changes may prevent the onset of diabetes.
What treatments help me manage my diabetes?
Dr. Yang works one-on-one with you to develop a treatment plan that helps improve your blood sugar numbers and your health. Your treatment plan may include a combination of:
- Diet modification
- Regular exercise
- Diabetes medication
If you’re overweight or obese, he may recommend weight loss. Losing as little as 5% of your current weight may have a significant impact on your blood sugar and may help prevent diabetes-related complications.
For comprehensive care of your diabetes and your health, call BY Wound Care Internal Medicine or request an appointment online today.
