If you have diabetes or high cholesterol, properly managing your condition helps prevent serious complications. At our clinic, we offer numerous solutions to reduce your risk of or better control diabetes, high cholesterol, and other chronic diseases. 

​

Diabetes|Cholesterol Q & A

​

What are diabetes and high cholesterol?

Diabetes and high cholesterol are chronic conditions that can cause serious medical problems if left untreated. With diabetes, your body doesn’t properly control blood sugar because you don’t produce enough insulin, or you can’t use it the right way.

High cholesterol occurs when fatty deposits build up in veins and arteries, which can make blood vessels narrow and increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack. Living a healthy lifestyle reduces your risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and their complications.

 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

There are no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, which is why it’s important to get screened by regularly. 

Diabetes does not always present with symptoms, but frequently patients that are diabetic experience:

• Increased thirst

• Extreme hunger

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Unexplained weight loss

• Frequent infections

• Slow-healing sores

• Blurred vision

Heart disease is also commonly associated with diabetes and high cholesterol. Other complications that can occur with uncontrolled diabetes include; nerve damage, kidney problems, eye problems, foot damage, skin issues, dementia, and depression.

​

What are the risk factors for diabetes and high cholesterol?

Common risk factors associated with diabetes and high cholesterol include older age, genetics, family history of chronic disease, being overweight, poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and smoking. Having diabetes increases your risk of high cholesterol and vice versa.

​

How are diabetes and high cholesterol diagnosed?

To find out if you have high cholesterol or diabetes, we will review your and check your vital signs, evaluate your symptoms, and review your medical history. A complete and comprehensive physical examination with a simple blood test will be completed to evaluate your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Your provider might recommend that you undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate your heart’s health.

​

How are diabetes and high cholesterol treated?

Treatments for high cholesterol and diabetes are similar. Depending on your personal situation, we might recommend:

​

• Lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. It can help you better manage these conditions if you already have them. Examples include weight loss, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. If you have diabetes, routine blood sugar monitoring helps your provider properly manage your treatment-plan.

​

• Medications.  Oral medications or dietary supplements can reduce high cholesterol and help control blood sugar. If a patient needs medications, frequently, making changes to live a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise changes may enable you to eventually lower the dose of your medicine-or even completely eliminate it.

 

• Specialist referrals.  If you have complex medical problems related to high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, or another chronic conditions, we might refer you to a qualified specialist in the area.  Don’t let diabetes or high cholesterol go undetected and untreated. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.