Chronic Disease Management
The focus of our internal medicine practice is to prevent diseases that can become chronic, but many of our patients are already struggling with chronic disease and need help. Chronic diseases are not curable, but they are manageable.
With thoughtful planning and monitoring, Commerce Internal Medicine provides individualized chronic disease management for patients. We will see you in the office and in the hospital, if necessary.
Our doctors provide comprehensive treatment of diabetes including nutrition counseling services. We educate and prepare you to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that can minimize blood sugar spikes and diabetes-related complications.
We can also manage high blood pressure and high cholesterol, even if you have diabetes, thyroid, or kidney problems that are contributing to your symptoms. No matter what condition you have, we will find a way to manage it.
Common Chronic Conditions
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, which is one of your body’s main sources of energy. People with type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but they do not produce enough or their cells do not adequately absorb insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Some research has shown that type 2 diabetes is most likely to occur when poor health habits (lack of exercise, high calorie diets, and obesity) combine with a family history of the disease.
There is no cure for diabetes. People with diabetes should diligently manage their disease to stay as healthy as possible and reduce the risk of medical complications. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to other medical problems including peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy, eye disease, and kidney failure.
Hypertension occurs when your blood pressure reaches abnormally high levels, which can cause serious problems for your heart and other organs. Having high blood pressure can put you at risk for stroke, heart attack, peripheral artery disease, and kidney failure, just to name a few. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, your risk for heart attack and stroke are significantly higher.
Some people can lower their blood pressure with lifestyle changes including weight loss, dietary changes, exercise, and smoking cessation. Medications may also be used to regulate your blood pressure.
High cholesterol occurs when there is an unhealthy balance of cholesterol in the blood, leading to narrowed and clogged arteries. Cholesterol comes from the foods we eat, but most cholesterol is produced in the liver.
The liver produces two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The “good” cholesterol is HDL because it contains more protein than fat, while LDL is higher in fat than protein, which can have a negative impact on your health.
If you consume foods that are high in cholesterol, consume too much alcohol or tobacco, and do not exercise, you are at risk for high levels of LDL cholesterol. Replacing these unhealthy habits with healthy ones will reduce your cholesterol levels, and medication may be used to get it under control. Without changing your lifestyle and getting medical attention, you may be at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems.
Let Our PCPs Help You Manage Chronic Disease
If you need a doctor to monitor your blood work and manage disease symptoms, rely on Commerce Internal Medicine. Our goal is to use our knowledge, skills, tools, and experience to improve your health, and ultimately, your quality of life. Please call (248) 363-1500 to schedule an appointment with an internist in Commerce Township, Michigan.
