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Diabetes Specialist

Samuel I. Fink, MD Our Services Diabetes

Samuel I. Fink, MD

Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Tarzana, CA

More than 9% of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. About 90% of those with the disease have Type 2 diabetes, which means many could have prevented the problem. Samuel I. Fink, MD, Inc., works with each patient, assessing their risk, helping them prevent Type 2 diabetes, and providing expert management after it’s diagnosed. If you’d like to learn more about your risk or you need treatment for diabetes, call the office in Tarzana, California, or book an appointment using the online scheduler.

Diabetes Q & A

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are both caused by a problem with insulin, which is the hormone that removes excess sugar from your bloodstream.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder that damages the pancreas. As a result, your pancreas can’t produce insulin. Although Type 1 diabetes typically appears before early adulthood, it can develop at any age.

Type 2 diabetes

When you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas still produces insulin, but not enough to keep blood sugar within a normal range. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also develop insulin resistance, so their body can’t use the insulin that’s available. Type 2 diabetes most often occurs after the age of 40, but it’s increasingly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults.


Does diabetes cause health complications?

Over time, high blood sugar damages small blood vessels and nerves throughout your body. This leads to serious health problems such as:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Vision loss
  • Skin infections
  • Foot ulcers that won’t heal

Diabetes is one of the top two causes of kidney failure and foot amputations. Type 2 diabetes also doubles your risk of dying from heart disease or stroke.


What symptoms develop due to diabetes?

Symptoms usually appear quickly when you have Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops gradually, which means you can have the disease for years before you’ll notice symptoms.

When symptoms develop, both types of diabetes cause:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurry vision
  • Excessive hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Sores that are slow to heal
  • Unexplained weight loss

You can’t change your risk for Type 1 diabetes. However, you can prevent Type 2 diabetes by maintaining normal blood pressure and staying at a healthy weight.


How is diabetes managed?

Diabetes management means taking the steps necessary to keep your blood sugar within a normal range. Your treatment plan may include:

Dietary and lifestyle changes

Dr. Fink teaches you how to track your carbohydrate consumption and choose carbs that won’t affect your blood sugar. Physical activity and losing weight, if needed, can also lower your blood sugar.

Depending on the severity of your diabetes, dietary and lifestyle changes may be enough to manage your blood sugar.

Medication

Dr. Fink prescribes insulin for patients with Type 1 diabetes. Patients with Type 2 diabetes may need medication to lower their blood sugar if dietary changes don’t help.

Diabetes is also associated with a higher risk for osteoporosis, so Dr. Fink offers on-site bone density testing.

You can count on Samuel I. Fink, MD, Inc. for comprehensive diabetes prevention and management. Call the office or use online booking to schedule an appointment.