What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the body’s cells, and its levels are regulated by two hormones from the pancreas, insulin and glucagon.

There are several types of diabetes, the two most common are:

Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to manage their blood sugar levels.

Type 2 Diabetes: In this type, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it effectively. It is more common than type 1 diabetes and is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, or insulin.

Symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Management of diabetes typically involves maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range through a combination of medication, diet, exercise, and regular monitoring. It is essential for individuals to develop a personalized plan for managing their condition and preventing complications.

What to expect at Parry’s Wellness and Diabetes Center
During your diabetes consultation, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your overall health and a discussion about your specific diabetes management needs.
Here are some common aspects that may be covered during a diabetes consultation:

Medical History: Dr. Bouhairie and her team will ask about your medical history, including any existing medical conditions, family history of diabetes, and information about your lifestyle, diet, and physical activity.
Symptom Review: If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to diabetes, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, your healthcare provider will discuss these symptoms with you.
Blood Glucose Monitoring: Your blood glucose levels will be reviewed during the consultation. This will also involve education of the newest cutting edge technology to aid in blood sugar control.
Medication Review: If you are already taking medication for diabetes, we will review your current prescriptions, dosages, and any issues or concerns you may have regarding your medications.
Diet and Nutrition: A discussion about your diet and nutrition habits is common during a diabetes consultation. Our team will provide guidance on healthy eating, portion control, and managing carbohydrate intake.
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is an essential component of diabetes management. We will inquire about your exercise habits and provide recommendations for incorporating physical activity into your routine.
Complication Screening: We will discuss the importance of screening for potential complications, such as eye examinations for diabetic retinopathy, foot exams, and kidney function tests.
Education: We believe in individual empowerment and therefore provide robust educational information about diabetes, its management, and strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Goal Setting: Together we will set specific and achievable goals for managing your diabetes.

How will my diabetes be managed?
Dr. Bouhairie and her team uses a lifestyle-focused holistic approach in the management of diabetes. This involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, education, and regular monitoring to keep blood sugar levels within a target range.

Dr. Bouhairie uses advanced technology including continuous blood glucose monitoring such as FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom System as well as insulin pumps to provide superior care and outcomes.

She offers follow up health coaching to help you stay in control of your health and provides the encouragement you need to meet your health goals.

Each plan of care is personalized and evidenced-based  that includes:

  • Diet therapy
  • Exercise program
  • Continuous blood glucose monitoring
  • Remote monitoring
  • Frequent follow up
  • Stress management
  • Sleep program

With her lifestyle approach, Dr. Bouhairie and her team has helped many patients go into diabetes remission and improve their health.