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Diabetes Specialist

Joseph W. Price, M.D. -  - Comprehensive Family Medicine

Partners In Wellness

Joseph W. Price, M.D.

Comprehensive Family Medicine & Integrative Holistic Medicine located in East Mount Airy, Philadelphia, PA

Diabetes is a lifelong health condition that requires lifestyle changes to manage the disease and prevent complications. Joseph Price, MD, takes a holistic and integrated approach to care at Partners In Wellness in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When it comes to diabetes, Dr. Price works one-on-one with you, developing strategies and plans that put you in control of your health. Specific lab testing is used to disclose problem areas. During the visit, details are discussed and a plan is realized to benefit the patient by diet, exercise, and medication to promote wellness. For a patient-centered and holistic approach to diabetes management, call the office, or request an in-office or telemedicine appointment online today.

Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that causes higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. Glucose, also known as sugar, is the preferred source of energy for all of the cells in your body. This energy comes from the food you eat.

 

When glucose enters your bloodstream after digestion, it triggers your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that tells your cells to open up and let the glucose in. 

 

If you have diabetes, you have a problem with insulin. Either your pancreas isn't making any (or enough) insulin, or your cells no longer respond to the actions of insulin (insulin resistance).

 

Too much glucose in your blood damages the blood vessels, tissues, and organs, leading to health problems like kidney disease, neuropathy, and heart and eye disease.

 

What are the types of diabetes?

There are many types of diabetes. However, the most common types include:

 

Type 1 diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes no longer make insulin because their immune system mistakenly attacked and destroyed the insulin-producing cells. This type of diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence.

People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections.

 

Type 2 diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels because their cells no longer respond to the actions of the insulin — insulin resistance. Lifestyle factors, such as lack of physical activity and poor nutrition, may play a role in the development of this type of diabetes.

 

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in women during pregnancy. Once the baby is born, gestational diabetes goes away. However, having gestational diabetes can significantly increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

 

Prediabetes

Though not a type of diabetes, prediabetes is a warning. With prediabetes, your blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough for diabetes. If you have prediabetes, you can make lifestyle changes that may prevent diabetes. 

 

What treatments can help me manage diabetes?

Dr. Price takes an integrated and holistic approach to care. He partners with you, creating strategies and plans that help you take control of your diabetes, blood glucose numbers, and health. 

 

For diabetes management, treatment may include:

 

  • Nutrition therapy
  • An exercise program
  • Stress management 
  • Oral hypoglycemic medication (Type 2 diabetes)
  • Insulin injections
  • Weight loss
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage therapy
  • Reiki therapy

 

At Partners In Wellness, Dr. Price uses both ancient and modern holistic tools to facilitate healing and self-care. For example, he may recommend acupuncture or massage therapy to help manage stress and improve your blood glucose numbers.

 

For a holistic approach to diabetes, call Partners In Wellness, or request an appointment online today.