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Diabetes services offered in Charleston, SC
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body has high sugar levels for prolonged periods of time.
With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
If you need help managing your diabetes, schedule an evaluation with Palmetto Health in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Monica Lominchar and her team provide integrative diabetes management solutions. Book your diabetes evaluation through the website online or call to schedule by phone.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a broad term that describes conditions that involve insulin, a hormone, and glucose (blood sugar), your body’s main source of fuel. Insulin is what drives glucose into cells so they can function. Without insulin, glucose just circulates around in your bloodstream without having the chance to be absorbed.
Type 1 diabetes, commonly called “juvenile diabetes,” is when your pancreas can’t produce insulin at all. The other common form of diabetes, type 2 diabetes, means you may have some insulin, but it may not be enough. Type 2 diabetes can also mean your body has become resistant to your insulin.
How does a doctor diagnose diabetes?
If you have a history of diabetes or are starting to experience related symptoms — like unexplained weight loss and frequent urination — Dr. Lominchar encourages you to schedule an evaluation. She talks with you about your personal and family health history and any issues you may be experiencing.
To diagnose diabetes or determine the severity of your diabetes, Dr. Lominchar may recommend any of the following diagnostic screenings:
- Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
- Fasting blood sugar test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Random blood sugar tests
Dr. Lominchar may also request a urine sample to check for ketones, which are byproducts of muscle and fat breakdown that occur because your body can’t use glucose. After conducting any essential screenings, Dr. Lominchar talks with you about managing your diabetes.
Is there a cure for diabetes?
Diabetes isn’t curable, but with the help of Dr. Lominchar, you learn to keep your blood sugar under control. Your diabetes treatment plan is a comprehensive package that may involve:
- Medications to improve insulin function (for type 2 diabetes)
- Exercise planning
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss management
- Nutrition and dietary counseling
- Regular insulin injections - if necessary
- Insulin pump - if necessary
Dr. Lominchar also teaches you how to check your blood sugar and when you should be checking it. The goal of your diabetes management plan is to lower your risk of secondary issues, including kidney disease, diabetic wounds, heart disease, and vision loss, among other complications.
Get started on your personalized diabetes management plan at Palmetto Health. You can book your appointment online or you can call the clinic directly to schedule.