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Diabetes

HeartCare Associates of Connecticut

Cardiovascular Specialists located in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven & Wallingford, CT

Estimates state that more than 100 million people in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes. It’s one thing to receive a diabetes diagnosis, but this chronic condition also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. The cardiovascular experts at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, with offices in Hamden, East Haven, North Haven, West Haven, and Wallingford, Connecticut, provide comprehensive cardiac care at their state-of-the-art facilities and can provide the advanced medical management you need to improve your diabetes and heart health. Call your nearest office or request an appointment online today.

Diabetes Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal. The glucose in your blood is meant to be delivered to your cells to provide energy. 

The hormone insulin, which your pancreas makes, is responsible for helping move the glucose from your blood into your cells. Diabetes develops due to problems related to insulin function or production.

What are the types of diabetes?

Diabetes is classified into types based on how your insulin is affected, as well as the underlying cause of your diabetes. The most common types include:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes most often develops during childhood. With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make enough or any insulin because the body’s immune system attacked and destroyed the insulin-producing cells. Type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections for management.

Some people with type 1 diabetes experience rapid highs and lows in blood sugar that can be difficult to manage. Referred to as brittle diabetes, more frequent insulin injections may be needed to maintain blood sugar control.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is significantly more common than type 1 diabetes, and diagnosis more often occurs in adults. With type 2 diabetes, your body produces insulin, but it’s not functioning the way it should. 

Women can also develop diabetes during pregnancy, referred to as gestational diabetes. The condition usually resolves after the baby is born; however, gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

What are diabetes-related complications?

Over time, too much glucose in your blood damages your blood vessels and organs and increases the risk of diabetes-related complications. Some of these complications include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Retinopathy
  • Neuropathy
  • Foot conditions
  • Dental issues

Your risk of developing heart disease is significantly greater when compared to those people without diabetes, and usually at a much younger age.

What can I expect during a diabetes evaluation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation from the specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut when you come to the office. 

During the evaluation, your doctor reviews your medical history and symptoms, if any. Then, they conduct a physical exam and request diagnostic tests to further evaluate your heart.

Some of the tests may include:

  • Blood work
  • Electrocardiogram
  • Echocardiogram
  • Nuclear cardiac scan
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • CT scan or MRI

Based on the information gathered during your evaluation, your specialist designs a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your diabetes and cardiac health. 

For your convenience, HeartCare Associates of Connecticut offers on-site nutrition counseling and obesity treatment, which may be included in your treatment plan to help improve both your blood sugar control and heart health.

To schedule a diabetes evaluation with the specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, call or click the online booking button today. 

Services

What We Offer

Appointment Request


HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.

Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:

  • Aneurysms

  • Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting

  • Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center

  • Coronary Bypass Surgery

  • Coronary Heart Disease

  • Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic

  • Diabetes

  • Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn

  • Heart Valve Problems

  • High Cholesterol & Triglycerides

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Nuclear Cardiac Scanning

  • Nutrition Programs

  • Pacemakers

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Preventive Health Programs

  • Stroke Prevention

  • Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles

  • Treatment & Prevention of Obesity

  • Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography

  • Vein Care

  • Womens Health