Diabetes describes several different conditions that involve faulty functioning of the hormone, insulin. Early diagnosis and careful management of the disease minimizes complications and helps you live a better quality of life. Dr. Ray Santos and Dr. Ritu Sharma provide successful diabetes care and management at DRS Medical Associates in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When released in proper amounts and working properly, insulin helps your body regulate your blood sugar levels, use the sugar you consume, and store fat.
When you have diabetes, you have problems with insulin.
Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune condition, usually diagnosed when you’re a child or in adolescence. Your immune system goes haywire and attacks cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
This occurs when you become insulin resistant. Your body produces enough insulin, but can’t use it effectively. Instead of converting the sugar to energy, the sugar builds up in your blood.
Gestational Diabetes
This type of diabetes develops in about 6% of all pregnancies. It manifests like type 2 diabetes, and usually goes away once you give birth. It may predispose you to developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Uncontrolled blood sugar puts you at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, vision problems, foot damage, nerve complications, skin conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes present the following symptoms:
Dr. Santos and Dr. Sharma will help you adapt your lifestyle to manage diabetes as well as offer regular medical monitoring. Eating healthy, becoming more active, and testing your blood sugar levels are essential steps.
At your regular medical visits, the staff and doctors will review your blood pressure, check your feet, evaluate your weight, and inquire about lifestyle habits. If lifestyle management isn’t enough to manage your blood sugar levels, you may receive oral medications or insulin to help you maintain a target blood sugar (or glucose) level.
With good management of diabetes, you’ll have more energy, reduce fatigue, experience better wound healing, and have fewer infections in your skin and bladder. You’ll also reduce the risk of developing complications such as heart disease, peripheral neuropathy (tingling in your extremities), gum and tooth problems, kidney complications, and vision problems.
At DRS Medical Associates, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"Dr. Sharma was friendly, informative and straight forward when it came to health concerns. She took time to get all the medical history and shared a lot of knowledge."
"I have been to DRS several times and seen Dr Ritu. She is a very very good doctor who truly cares about her patients. "
"Not once did I feel rush and both doctors took their time to answer my questions. I didn't leave there thinking that they were pushing me into anything either. "
"I am so thankful for his passion and knowledge. He is officially our family doctor here in JC with a great location and hours!"
"I have been with Medical associates for the last 2 months and like them a lot. They respected my wishes and made sure I got the correct treatment."
"Our experience has been with Dr. Santos. He is a patient and kind physician who listens and provides compassionate feedback about childcare."
"Dr. Santos was great. He took the time to understand all my symptoms and any any history since I was a new patient. Did not feel rushed and felt very comfortable."
"I see Dr. Sharma and she has always been very patient in listening to my history and accurate with her diagnosis."
"Dr Sharma is really good doctor. She is thorough, very diligent, and takes her time to listen before arriving at a diagnosis. Highly recommend."
"Excellent doctors!!! Wonderful staff !!"
"The office is very clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. I did not wait at all to be seen. Highly recommend this practice!"
"Greatest service! Best docs! Dr. Ritu & Dr. Ray are extremely friendly and patience. Highly recommended"
"I had a great experience with Dr. Sharma. I did not have to wait and she was very thorough. I have now found a doctor I love!!!"
"Dr. Ray cares about giving his patients quality service and attention. Highly recommended."
"Her bedside manner is awesome. She takes the time to explain things and answer questions and not trying to rush you out like other doctors."
