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Diabetes & Hypertension Specialist

Jonathan S. Leibowitz, MD, PC

Board Certified in Internal Medicine & Primary Care & Nephrology located in Borough Park, Brooklyn, NY

Left untreated, chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension can negatively impact your quality of life and increase your risk of more serious health problems. At his practice in Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York, Jonathan S. Leibowitz, MD, PC, regularly diagnoses and treats both conditions. To request your appointment, call or use the online booking tool today.

Diabetes & Hypertension Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body produces insulin and processes blood sugar or glucose. Your body needs glucose to function properly, but too much glucose can lead to nerve and organ damage.

What are the different types of diabetes?

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack beta cells in your pancreas. Your pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that helps regulate your blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or during adolescence.

Type 2 diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas produces insulin, but your body doesn’t use it properly. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and affects people of all ages.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes. In the majority of cases, a woman’s blood sugar returns to normal after giving birth.

How is diabetes diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing diabetes requires a thorough physical exam and blood test. At your initial appointment, Dr. Leibowitz performs an exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you a series of questions about your symptoms.

Next, Dr. Leibowitz orders a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test or an oral glucose tolerance (OGT) test, two screenings that can detect diabetes and pre-diabetes. Once Dr. Leibowitz receives your test results, he formulates a treatment plan.

Your treatment depends on the type of diabetes you have. If you have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes like regular exercise and eating a healthy diet may be able to reverse your symptoms. On the other hand, if you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to participate in insulin therapy.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a measure of the force of blood that’s pumping through your arteries. Normal blood pressure promotes healthy circulation, but blood pressure that’s consistently high for extended periods of time increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension typically doesn’t present symptoms, which is why it’s often referred to as the “silent killer.” Millions of men and women are living with high blood pressure and don’t even know it.

How is hypertension diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Leibowitz uses a tool called a sphygmomanometer to monitor your blood pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg, while a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is hypertension.

Whenever possible, Dr. Leibowitz recommends conservative measures of care to treat hypertension, including stress management, improved nutrition, and regular exercise. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption can also lower your blood pressure. If these practices don’t significantly reduce your readings, prescription medication may be necessary.

If you’re living with diabetes or hypertension, it’s important to take your health seriously. Click the online booking tool or call today and request your appointment.

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