Diabetes Specialist

Kishwar Shareef MD, PC

Internists located in Randolph, NJ

More than 30 million Americans have diabetes. If you or a loved one have this increasingly common condition, internist Kishwar Shareef MD, PC, can help. A board-certified physician, she diagnoses and treats both type 1 and type 2 diabetes with comprehensive care in her Randolph, New Jersey, office. Treatments include weight management to enhance your long-term health. Find out more by calling or booking a consultation online today.

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a common condition that occurs when your body either doesn't create enough insulin or doesn't use the insulin it makes properly. This allows glucose, or blood sugar, to build up to an unhealthy level in your blood. 

Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including:

  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney disease
  • Vision problems
  • Nerve damage

Untreated diabetes can also lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. 

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

Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t make insulin, an important hormone required to process glucose in your bloodstream. Type 1 is often considered a childhood disease and was once commonly called juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition. Type 2 occurs when your body doesn’t use insulin properly. Although your pancreas initially tries to produce extra insulin to make up for the problem, it can’t keep up over time. As a result, your insulin level drops below what’s healthy. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Both forms of diabetes produce symptoms such as:

  • Feeling the need to urinate often
  • Feeling extremely hungry or thirsty
  • Overwhelming tiredness
  • Blurry eyesight

You may experience sudden, unexplained weight loss with type 1, or notice tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands with type 2.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

If Dr. Shareef suspects diabetes, she typically recommends blood tests to diagnose the condition. Common tests for diabetes include

  • A1C blood test
  • Fasting plasma glucose test
  • Oral glucose tolerance test

Dr. Shareef usually recommends repeat tests to confirm your diagnosis.

How is diabetes treated?

With the right care, you can control and manage your condition to enjoy a healthy, active life. Dr. Shareef discusses steps to manage diabetes and improve your health. She may talk about diet and exercise and suggest a healthy eating plan or a weight-loss program.

She usually prescribes medications, particularly if you have type 1 diabetes. With type 1, you’ll need regular insulin shots or medication to replace the insulin your body is missing. 

If you’re ready for expert care for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, call today or schedule a consultation online with Kishwar Shareef MD, PC.