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Diabetes Doctors
In Dallas Metroplex

Diabetes
Passion Health Physicians
Passion Health Physicians

Effective Diabetes Management & Care in Irving, Plano, Frisco & Nearby Areas

Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition that requires expert management to prevent severe complications. At Passion Health Primary Care, you get the diabetes care you need, including comprehensive diabetes testing, under the guidance of Shyamala Arani Purushotham, MD, FACP, CPHQ, Pooka Naik, MD, and the team. Whether you think you have diabetes or have already been diagnosed, call the offices in Irving, Plano, Frisco, Prosper, Aubrey, Kemp, Kaufman, Flower Mound and Forney (Temporarily Closed), today to set up your appointment or schedule online.

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes is several metabolic conditions that affect how your body processes blood sugar, also called glucose. Glucose is the compound created when your body breaks down the carbohydrates you eat.

Glucose fuels your cells. Your pancreas makes the hormone insulin that directs glucose into your cells to be used as fuel or stored. In someone with diabetes, their pancreas makes little or no insulin.

This means glucose remains in your blood, increasing your blood sugar to dangerous levels. High blood sugar affects many organs.

What are the types of diabetes?

The two primary types of diabetes are:

Hormone imbalances in women

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in children and teenagers. Your immune system attacks your pancreas so that it doesn’t make insulin.

Type 2

In those with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies don’t properly use insulin. As a result, they become what’s called insulin-resistant. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1, making up nearly 95% of all diabetes cases.

What symptoms suggest I have diabetes?

Diabetes symptoms vary depending on the kind you have. People with Type 1 diabetes usually notice these symptoms because they come on suddenly. Those with Type 2 might not even see their symptoms because they develop gradually.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Hunger and unexplained weight loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Numbness in your hands or feet

You’re at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you’re overweight or obese, live a sedentary lifestyle, have high cholesterol, and have a family history of the disease.

People with risk factors for Type 2 diabetes benefit from making lifestyle changes to improve their overall health. Your provider at Passion Health Primary Care can help you make these changes to your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels.

How do you manage diabetes?

Passion Health Primary Care practitioners develop a personalized, compassionate treatment plan to help you manage your blood sugar.

Treatments include changing your diet, losing weight, and getting regular exercise. Those with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily. People with Type 2 diabetes might need medication to help manage their blood sugar.

The team will also schedule regular appointments to monitor your blood sugar levels and change your treatment plan when needed.

Get the diabetes care you need by contacting Passion Health Primary Care. Call today for an appointment, or use this website to reach out online.

FAQS:

 

  1. Which diabetes is worse?
    Both can be serious; type 1 needs lifelong insulin, and type 2 can cause major complications if uncontrolled.
  2. Are skin tags a sign of diabetes?
    They can be linked to insulin resistance and prediabetes, but they are not a definite diagnosis.
  3. Does type 2 diabetes require insulin?
    Not always—many start with lifestyle + pills; insulin may be needed later or during illness/pregnancy.
  4. Is banana good for diabetes?
    Bananas can fit in moderation; portion size matters because they contain carbs/sugar.
  5. Does diabetes make you hungry?
    Yes—high blood sugar can cause hunger because glucose isn’t used well by cells.
  6. Does diabetes skip a generation?
    It can appear to “skip,” but risk is influenced by many genes plus lifestyle factors.
  7. How often to check blood sugar in type 2 diabetes?
    Depends on treatment; people on insulin check more often, others may check less or use A1c monitoring.
  8. If father has type 1 diabetes will baby get it?
    Risk is higher than average but most babies still do not develop type 1 diabetes.
  9. How to count carbs for diabetes?
    Add up grams of carbs in meals/snacks using labels/apps; match carb intake to your plan/meds.
  10. How much sugar in a banana for diabetes?
    A medium banana has roughly ~14 g sugar and ~27 g carbs (varies by size).
  11. What does diabetes hunger feel like?
    Persistent hunger even after eating, often with thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue.
  12. Can animals have diabetes?
    Yes—dogs and cats can develop diabetes.
  13. Does diabetes cause skin tags?
    Diabetes itself doesn’t “cause” them directly, but insulin resistance is associated with more skin tags.
  14. Difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
    Type 1: autoimmune, little/no insulin. Type 2: insulin resistance + gradual insulin decline.
  15. What to eat for breakfast with diabetes?
    Protein + fiber: eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, veggies, oats with nuts, or chia pudding.
  16. Does type 1 diabetes skip a generation?
    It can seem that way; genetics raise risk but don’t guarantee inheritance.
  17. What bread is good for diabetes?
    Whole grain, high-fiber breads (look for ≥3g fiber per slice), low added sugar.
  18. Complication of gestational diabetes?
    Higher chance of large baby, C-section, newborn low sugar, and future diabetes risk for mom/baby.
  19. Can diabetes cause leg pain?
    Yes—nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation can cause pain, burning, or cramps.
  20. Are bananas bad for type 2 diabetes?
    Not “bad,” but limit portions; pair with protein (nuts/yogurt) to reduce glucose spikes.
  21. Why does diabetes make you hungry?
    Because glucose can’t enter cells efficiently, the body signals hunger for energy.
  22. Is black tea good for diabetes?
    Unsweetened black tea is fine; it may support health but isn’t a treatment.
  23. How much are test strips for diabetes?
    Costs vary widely by brand/insurance; many people pay from low to high monthly depending on use.
  24. Is green banana good for diabetes?
    Green (less ripe) bananas may raise sugar less due to resistant starch, but still contain carbs.
  25. What not to eat for diabetes?
    Limit sugary drinks, sweets, refined carbs, and highly processed snacks; watch portions.
  26. What snacks are good for diabetes?
    Nuts, cheese, boiled eggs, hummus + veggies, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, roasted chana.
  27. Is type 1 diabetes hereditary from grandparents?
    Family history can increase risk, but type 1 inheritance is not direct and is less predictable.
  28. Is diabetes hereditary from grandparents?
    Genetics influence risk (especially type 2), but lifestyle and weight play a major role.
  29. Is protein good for diabetes?
    Yes—protein helps fullness and steadier blood sugar; choose lean sources.
  30. Can you inherit diabetes?
    You can inherit risk, especially for type 2; it’s not guaranteed.
  31. What cereal is good for diabetes?
    High-fiber, low-sugar cereals (≥5g fiber, ≤6g sugar/serving); pair with protein.
  32. Is type 2 diabetes inherited?
    Yes, genetic risk is strong, but diet, activity, and weight are major contributors.
  33. Is excessive hunger a sign of diabetes?
    It can be, especially with thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, or fatigue.
  34. Can I take metformin if I don’t have diabetes?
    Sometimes used for prediabetes or PCOS—but only under a clinician’s guidance.
  35. What A1c is considered uncontrolled diabetes?
    Often ≥7% is above many targets, but “uncontrolled” depends on individualized goals.
  36. If mother has type 1 diabetes will baby get it?
    Risk is increased but most children do not develop type 1 diabetes.
  37. When to take diabetes medicine?
    Depends on the medication—some with meals, some once daily; follow your prescription instructions.
  38. Symptoms of feline diabetes?
    Increased thirst/urination, weight loss, increased appetite, lethargy, poor coat.
  39. Does pregnancy diabetes go away?
    Gestational diabetes usually resolves after birth, but follow-up testing is important.
  40. Can diabetes insipidus be cured?
    Sometimes treatable depending on cause; many cases are managed long-term with medication.
  41. How to lower A1c in diabetes?
    Improve diet, activity, weight, medication adherence, sleep, and manage stress; monitor regularly.
  42. What causes feline diabetes?
    Often insulin resistance, obesity, age, and sometimes steroid medications.
  43. Can you eat wheat bread with diabetes?
    Yes—choose whole wheat/high-fiber and control portion size.
  44. What is advanced diabetes?
    Diabetes with complications (kidney, eye, nerve, heart disease) or long-term poor control.
  45. Which cereal is good for diabetes?
    Choose unsweetened, high-fiber options; avoid sugary granola and frosted cereals.
  46. How do you count carbs for diabetes?
    Read labels, weigh/measure portions, and total carbs per meal; keep consistent intake.
  47. What are good snacks for diabetes?
    Protein/fiber snacks: nuts, yogurt, sprouts, cottage cheese, veggie sticks, protein shake (low sugar).
  48. Foods to avoid when you have diabetes?
    Sugary drinks, candies, large portions of white rice/bread, bakery items, and deep-fried snacks.
  49. Why does diabetes cause hunger?
    Cells don’t get usable energy despite high sugar in blood, triggering hunger signals.
  50. What cereal is good for type 2 diabetes?
    High-fiber bran cereals, unsweetened oats, or muesli with minimal added sugar.
  51. Can diabetes cause pain?
    Yes—neuropathy, poor circulation, joint issues, and infections can cause pain.
  52. Does prediabetes make you tired?
    It can—blood sugar swings and insulin resistance may contribute to fatigue.
  53. If diabetes runs in your family will you get it?
    Not necessarily—risk is higher, but lifestyle changes can significantly reduce risk.
  54. Diabetes: what to eat for breakfast?
    Eggs/omelet, Greek yogurt + berries, oats + nuts, tofu scramble, or moong dal chilla.
  55. Foods good for kidney disease and diabetes?
    Depends on kidney stage; generally controlled carbs, lower sodium, and tailored protein/potassium.
  56. What can I eat for breakfast with diabetes?
    Balanced plate: protein + non-starchy veggies + controlled carbs (whole grains/fruit).
  57. Can diabetes skip a generation?
    Yes, it can appear to; genetics and lifestyle together decide risk.
  58. Does diabetes increase appetite?
    Yes, especially when blood sugar is high and insulin function is impaired.
  59. Best type 2 diabetes medication?
    There’s no single “best”—metformin is common first-line; others depend on heart/kidney status and goals.
  60. How to prepare for a gestational diabetes test?
    Follow your provider’s instructions; some tests require fasting, others don’t.
  61. Can I test myself for diabetes at home?
    You can check glucose with a meter, but diagnosis requires lab tests like fasting glucose or A1c.
  62. How to reverse type 3 diabetes?
    “Type 3” isn’t an official diagnosis; focus on brain health: exercise, sleep, heart-healthy diet, and medical care.
  63. What happens if you fail gestational diabetes test?
    You’ll be diagnosed and guided on diet, monitoring, and sometimes medication to protect mom and baby.
  64. What to stay away from with diabetes?
    Sugary beverages, ultra-processed foods, and large portions of refined carbs.
  65. How much sugar is in the gestational diabetes drink?
    Varies by test—commonly 50g glucose (screening drink); confirm with your clinic.
  66. Do you fast for gestational diabetes test?
    For the 1-hour screening usually no; for the 2-hour/3-hour OGTT often yes—follow instructions.
  67. Does diabetes cause fungal infections?
    Yes—high sugar can increase yeast/fungal infections (skin, mouth, genital area).
  68. How to calculate carbohydrates for diabetes?
    Total grams of carbs eaten per meal/snack; use labels, measuring cups, and food databases.
  69. How many weeks for gestational diabetes test?
    Typically screened at 24–28 weeks, earlier if high risk.
  70. What is dialysis for diabetes?
    Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure; diabetes is a leading cause of kidney damage.
  71. How to differentiate type 1 and 2 diabetes?
    Age/weight clues help, but labs (autoantibodies, C-peptide) confirm; type 1 usually needs insulin quickly.
  72. What vitamin helps with diabetes?
    No vitamin “cures” diabetes; vitamin D or B12 may matter in some people—test and supplement if low.
  73. Does diabetes make your legs hurt?
    Yes—neuropathy and poor circulation can cause pain, numbness, or tingling.
  74. Bedtime blood sugar for gestational diabetes?
    Targets vary by provider; many use around ≤95 mg/dL fasting and specific post-meal targets.
  75. Is type 1 diabetes curable?
    Currently no cure, but it can be managed well with insulin and monitoring.
  76. Can you have ketones in urine without diabetes?
    Yes—fasting, low-carb diets, vomiting, dehydration, or heavy exercise can cause ketones.

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