Many people don’t realize that an internist is a type of doctor that can actually treat the majority of a person’s symptoms. Internists are typically primary care physicians because they are able to diagnose and treat any medical issues that do not involve surgical procedures. If a surgical procedure is a necessary step in treatment, then an internist will refer the person to a specialist who can perform the surgery.
People may be wondering if internists are able to treat diabetes, and the answer is yes. Internists are able to treat diabetes, but a person may be more comfortable with a specialist. While internists do undergo training in many medical conditions, they are not required to take any additional training in diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that forms in a person’s body when the body cannot properly manage sugar levels. There are different forms of diabetes, and depending on the type that a person has, they may want to consider visiting a specialist as opposed to an internist.
Knowing the severity of each type of diabetes may help a person who is considering whether or not to visit a specialist. If the stage of the diabetes is not life-threatening, then a person may be comfortable continuing treatment with an internist. However, if the type of diabetes is extremely harmful, they may consider visiting a specialist for a more involved treatment method.
Type 2 diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are resistant to insulin. The body still produces insulin but isn’t able to use it properly. This, in turn, will make the pancreas work harder to produce insulin that will go unused. Because insulin within the body isn’t being used efficiently, glucose will remain in the bloodstream, causing too much sugar to be present.
Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is different because the body thinks that healthy cells are not good for the body. These cells are attacked and destroyed by the immune system, which then causes the body to be unable to continue producing insulin.
While first consulting with an internist can be beneficial for someone with diabetes, it may be in their best interest to follow up with a specialist as well. Diabetes can be harmful to the body if proper treatment is not provided, so visiting with both an internist and a specialist can be beneficial. An internist is more than qualified to treat diabetes, but it never hurts to also bring on the opinion of someone who is specifically trained in diabetes as well.
A doctor of internal medicine may aid in keeping patients’ diabetes under control by:
The whole body needs care and maintenance. An internal medicine doctor's initial priority is to assess how healthy patients are in general. Individuals should tell their internist if anything seems amiss so that they can provide proper treatment.
The treatment provided to each patient will also be unique. The internist will check the patient’s blood sugar levels and do additional physical examinations to make sure the diabetes is not causing any other problems. The doctor will check in to make sure patients are maintaining strength and wellness, and if they are not, they will provide advice on how to do so.
Patients with diabetes are aware that their insulin production is inadequate. To avoid any complications, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and control one's portion sizes. The internist will want to know about the patient’s eating habits, preferences, and food intolerances. They will also inquire about any particular dietary restrictions, including those of a vegan, vegetarian, or similar kind.
The dietitian will next suggest a diet and eating pattern that works best for the patient. They could recommend eliminating sugary drinks, sodas, and processed foods from one’s diet while increasing intake of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Patients may still enjoy them in moderation to avoid physical discomfort. The right diet may alleviate symptoms for many individuals, and although it may seem challenging at first, most people eventually get the hang of it.
If you still have questions about an internist treating diabetes, then let us know! We’re happy to walk you through anything that you may be uncertain of. Our trained professionals can provide you with extensive knowledge of diabetes and internists treating it. Give our office a call today to set up an appointment or to further discuss internists treating diabetes.
Request an appointment here: https://mynycdoctor.com or call Marina Gafanovich, MD at (212) 548-3263 for an appointment in our New York office.
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