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Services

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism-the way the body digests food for energy and growth. The number of patients diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise at an alarming rate, especially in Southeastern Virginia. 

There are three types of Diabetes:

  • Type 1 Diabetes is more common in children and young adults, but can be found in older adults as well. This form of diabetes occurs as immune cells attack beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
  • Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Blood glucose (sugar) levels rise higher than normal because the pancreas cannot make enough insulin for the high demand of insulin due to weight gain and excessive food intake.
  • Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy-usually around the 24th week. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn't mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it's important to follow your obstetrician's advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels so you and your baby both remain healthy.

The risk factors for Diabetes include:

  • Having a family history of Diabetes
  • Being older than 45
  • Being overweight or having a sedentary lifestyle
  • Being a member of one or more of these groups: African-American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, some Pacific-Islanders and Hispanic Americans.

Diabetes Services:

  • Diabetes management and education
  • Diabetes Self-Management Program: one on one interaction with a certified diabetes educator and certified nutritionist in addition to Diabetes Group Education classes.
  • Insulin Pump evaluation and initiation
  • Insulin Pump Support Group
  • Continuous glucose monitoring evaluation and education

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck just above the collar bones and is shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid gland makes the thyroid hormone which helps determine how fast the heart beats, along with other body functions. Thyroid disease is the most common endocrine disease after diabetes.

  • Thyroid Ultrasound is a noninvasive test that helps to detect changes in appearance, size or contour of the thyroid gland
  • Thyroid Fine Needle Biopsy-if the thyroid ultrasound indicates further testing is required to determine if a nodule is benign or cancerous, the endocrinologist will remove a small sample of tissue from the thyroid gland. The needle is very small and rarely requires anesthesia and is performed in our office.
  • Management of hyper/hypothyroidism

Bone Density Test

Osteporosis is the thinning of bone and loss of bone density over time. 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra (bones of the spine). Bone Density Testing is one of the best ways to assess your bone health.