Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to the Wellness Tips series, where Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care, provides expert guidance on maintaining good health. With a wealth of experience in internal medicine and emergency care, he shares practical insights to help navigate everyday health concerns.
Each article in this series covers vital wellness topics, offering straightforward, actionable advice to support illness prevention and informed decision-making. Whether you need quick fix recommendations or long-term strategies for a healthier life, these articles are designed to equip you with the knowledge to take charge of your well-being.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes is a major public health concern, affecting millions of people in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 38 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 97.6 million adults have prediabetes—many of whom don’t even realize it. With cases on the rise, understanding diabetes and how to manage it is more crucial than ever.
While diabetes may not have a cure, it is a condition that can be effectively managed. With the right lifestyle choices, medical guidance, and monitoring, people with diabetes can live long, healthy lives. Josef Schenker, MD is here to walk us through the key aspects of diabetes management, helping us understand the condition and how to take control of our health.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains Diabetes and Its Symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose), which is the primary source of energy for your cells. Dr. Josef Schenker further explains that when diabetes is present, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause serious complications if not properly managed.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes can develop gradually, and its symptoms may be subtle at first. According to Josef Schenker, MD, recognizing these warning signs early can help with timely diagnosis and management, preventing complications. Below are the most common symptoms associated with diabetes:
- Frequent urination – High blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work harder, leading to increased urination, especially at night.
- Excessive thirst – Because of frequent urination, the body loses fluids, making you feel dehydrated and extremely thirsty.
- Unexplained weight loss – When your body can’t use glucose properly, it starts breaking down fat and muscle for energy, causing sudden weight loss.
- Increased hunger – Your cells aren’t getting enough energy, so your body signals the brain to eat more.
- Fatigue – Fluctuating blood sugar levels make it difficult for your body to convert food into energy efficiently.
- Blurred vision – High blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye’s lens, affecting your ability to see clearly.
- Slow healing wounds – High glucose levels can impair blood circulation and delay healing.
- Tingling or numbness – Nerve damage, especially in the hands and feet, can cause tingling or numbness.
- Dark patches on the skin – A condition called acanthosis nigricans causes dark, velvety patches, often a sign of insulin resistance.
Types of Diabetes
Dr. Josef Schenker explains that diabetes comes in several forms, each with its causes and characteristics.
Type 1 Diabetes
This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence, and those with Type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common type of diabetes, occurring when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity.
Gestational Diabetes
This type occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
Other Forms of Diabetes
Some rarer types include Monogenic Diabetes (caused by genetic mutations) and Secondary Diabetes (resulting from other medical conditions or medications, such as corticosteroids).
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains How to Manage Diabetes
Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that while diabetes cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed—and in some cases, prevented. Here are key ways to maintain healthy blood sugar levels:
- Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly – Checking glucose levels frequently allows you to make necessary adjustments to your diet, medication, and activity levels, ensuring better control over blood sugar fluctuations and preventing complications.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet – Eating nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables can help regulate blood sugar. Limiting processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive carbohydrates can prevent spikes and improve overall metabolic health.
- Exercise Regularly – Physical activity helps the body use insulin more efficiently. Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, like walking, swimming, or strength training, can significantly improve glucose control and overall well-being.
- Take Medications as Prescribed – For some, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Whether you require insulin or oral medications, following your doctor’s treatment plan is essential to keeping blood sugar within a healthy range.
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking sufficient water supports kidney function and helps flush out excess glucose from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of dehydration and complications.
- Manage Stress – Chronic stress triggers the release of hormones that raise blood sugar levels. Incorporating stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help maintain balance.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption – Smoking worsens insulin resistance and increases the risk of complications, while alcohol can lead to unpredictable blood sugar spikes and crashes.
- Get Enough Sleep – Poor sleep patterns can interfere with insulin regulation and promote weight gain, making diabetes harder to control. Prioritizing quality rest supports overall metabolic health and improves blood sugar management.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly, causing high blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-producing cells, while Type 2 diabetes is linked to genetics, obesity, poor diet, and an inactive lifestyle.
Early symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and recurrent infections are also common. Some individuals may develop tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in their hands and feet due to nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar levels, known as diabetic neuropathy.
The quickest way to manage diabetes is by consistently monitoring blood sugar levels, adopting a nutrient-rich diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking prescribed medications. Lifestyle adjustments, like reducing sugar intake and managing stress, can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
No, diabetes cannot be cured. However, it can be effectively managed through medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. People with Type 2 diabetes, in particular, may achieve remission through significant weight loss, improved diet, increased physical activity, and sustained healthy habits.
Achieve Optimal Health: Manage Diabetes Effectively
Navigating diabetes can feel overwhelming but managing it is entirely possible with the right approach. By making smart lifestyle choices, monitoring blood sugar levels, and following medical advice, you can keep your condition under control and maintain a high quality of life.
At Centers Urgent Care, our team of specialists led by Dr. Josef Schenker can provide expert guidance on diabetes management. With comprehensive care, personalized treatment plans, and the latest medical insights, we are here to support your journey to optimal health. Whether you’re looking for preventive care or diabetes management solutions, we’re ready to help you take control of your well-being. Don’t let diabetes dictate your life. Visit any of our New York locations today!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
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