Diabetes Management Doctor Q&A

There is no cure for diabetes, however the condition can go into remission. Although the disease is technically still present, when diabetes goes into remission, it means that the body does not show any signs of the disease. Remission can take different forms:

• Partial Remission — Partial remission is defined as maintaining blood glucose levels lower than that of a person with diabetes for at least one year, without the need to administer diabetes medication via a needle.

• Complete Remission — Complete remission takes this one step further and is characterized by blood glucose level returning to normal levels completely outside of the range of diabetes or prediabetes and remains at this level for a minimum of one year without any medications.

• Prolonged Remission — Prolonged remission is achieved when complete remission lasts for at least 5 years.
A doctor would consider diabetes to be in remission rather than cured even if a person maintains normal blood sugar levels for 20 years. Achieving diabetes remission can be as simple as making appropriate lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise or a healthy, nutritional diet.

In healthy individuals, their pancreas releases insulin to help their body store and use sugar from the food they consume. Diabetes happens when any of the following occurs:

• The pancreas does not make any insulin
• The pancreas makes very little insulin
• The body does not respond to insulin the way it should (cannot be used properly)

Although people with type 2 diabetes make insulin, their pancreas does not release enough, or their body cannot recognize the insulin and use it properly, which is known as insulin resistance. When there is not enough insulin or the insulin cannot be used as it should be, glucose (sugar) cannot get into the cells but instead builds up in the bloodstream. This can damage many areas of the body. In addition, because cells are not getting the glucose they need for energy, they do not work as they should.

Diabetes can be effectively managed by following the treatment plan created by a diabetes specialist. As part of the treatment plan, or in addition to, a diabetes doctor may recommend the following:

• Eat a diet rich in nutrients and low in processed sugars, carbohydrates and saturated and trans fats
• Exercise regularly
• Stay hydrated
• Use medication as prescribed
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and sugary alcoholic beverages

Managing diabetes is important for many reasons. Diabetes can lead to short-term problems that must be treated right away, like diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia. It can also lead to long-term damage to bodily tissues. These complications typically only occur in patients with unmanaged or uncontrolled diabetes and can be avoided with proper care. Children with diabetes who do not control their blood sugar levels may also have problems with physical growth and mental development and can even have a delay when puberty starts.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, it is important to properly manage the condition. The kind and caring professionals at Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, are experienced at treating diabetic patients and can help them live their best quality of life. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located in Apple Valley, CA and Victorville, CA. Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, is open from Monday – Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm, Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm, Saturday: By Appointment Only. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Victorville CA, Apple Valley CA, Adelanto CA, Hesperia CA, Crestline CA, Highland CA, Barstow CA, and BEYOND!