Diabetes Q&A

 

What is diabetes?

More than 29 million Americans live with diabetes today. That’s a 50% increase over the last decade. There are two forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

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Type 1 diabetes is the more severe form. Some refer to is as “juvenile” diabetes, since it typically develops in kids and teens, though it can develop anytime. In cases of type 1 diabetes, the body’s own immune system turns against its own pancreas.

 

The immune system views insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as foreign and eliminates them. 

Insulin in cells balance blood sugar levels. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood, causing damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and the heart. It can even be fatal.

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The more common form is type 2 diabetes, which usually develops in adults after age 35. People with type 2 diabetes can produce some insulin on their own, but usually not enough.

 

What are symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms for type 1 and type 2 are similar, though type 1 symptoms usually begin quickly while type 2 symptoms develop more slowly. Diabetic symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Increased hunger

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Neuropathy: Numbness or tingling in the feet and hands

• Recurring soreness

• Unexplained weight loss

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What causes diabetes?

Many scientists and researchers believe type 1 is caused by genes and certain environmental factors, like viruses, that might bring about the disease. Type 2 is usually caused by genes and lifestyle factors including poor dietary choices, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle.

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Stress, be it mental or physical, can also cause or exacerbate diabetes.

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How can Dr. Halperin treat diabetes?

Dr. Halperin administers supplements and strict dietary programs, factoring in each food’s glycemic index and glycemic load, which both affect blood glucose levels.

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He also provides exercise plans that help control hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and helps with monitoring of mineral imbalance, and help stave off metabolic syndrome.

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Working as part of your health team, Dr. Halperin even provides patients with grocery shopping and cooking advice.

 

Dr. Halperin helps patients incorporate other stress relieving activities like grounding and meditation to encourage a healthy lifestyle conducive to living comfortably with diabetes. The goal is to become dedicated to a process, which will facilitate long term results, rather than seeking a quick endpoint.