Diabetes/Cholesterol Specialist

What are diabetes and high cholesterol?

Diabetes and high cholesterol are chronic conditions that can cause serious medical problems if left untreated. With diabetes, your body doesn’t properly control blood sugar because you don’t produce enough insulin, or you can’t use it the right way.

High cholesterol occurs when fatty deposits build up in veins and arteries, which can make blood vessels narrow and increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Living a healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and their complications. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, which is why it’s important to get screened by the doctors at Express Family Clinic regularly. You might not experience symptoms with diabetes, or you may notice:

• Increased thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing sores
• Blurry vision

Heart disease is commonly associated with diabetes and high cholesterol. Other complications that can occur with uncontrolled diabetes include nerve damage, kidney problems, eye problems, foot damage, skin issues, dementia, and depression.

What are the risk factors for diabetes and high cholesterol?

Common risk factors associated with diabetes and high cholesterol include older age, genetics, family history of chronic disease, being overweight, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and smoking. Having diabetes increases your risk of high cholesterol and vice versa.

How are diabetes and high cholesterol diagnosed?

To find out if you have high cholesterol or diabetes, your doctor at Express Family Clinic checks your vital signs and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They complete a comprehensive physical examination and use simple blood tests to evaluate your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Your provider might recommend you undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate your heart’s health.

How are diabetes and high cholesterol treated?

Treatments for high cholesterol and diabetes are similar. With both conditions, Dr. Modi or Dr. Parihar might recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Healthy lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of diabetes and high cholesterol, and can help you better manage these conditions if you already have them. Examples include weight loss, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. If you have diabetes, routine blood sugar monitoring helps your provider properly manage your treatment.

Medications

Oral medications or dietary supplements can reduce high cholesterol and help control blood sugar. Insulin injections are beneficial if your body doesn’t produce enough insulin on its own. 

Specialist referrals

If you have a complex medical problem related to high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic condition, Dr. Modi or Dr. Parihar can refer you to a highly qualified specialist in the area. 

Don’t let diabetes or high cholesterol go undetected and untreated. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Express Family Clinic by phone or online today.