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Type 2 Diabetes Specialist

Vijaya L Cherukuri, M.D. -  - Internal Medicine

PREMIER HEALTH CARE INC

Vijaya L Cherukuri, M.D.

Internal Medicine & Primary Care located in Saint Petersburg, FL

High blood sugar can damage your health even without causing symptoms. Signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, and patients can live with the disease for years without knowing it. Vijaya Cherukuri, MD, and the team at Premier Health Care Inc. in St. Petersburg, Florida, work with patients to identify Type 2 diabetes and develop a personalized plan to manage the disease. If you’re concerned about Type 2 diabetes, call or use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment today.

Type 2 Diabetes Q & A

What are the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes?

Common signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Frequent urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet


Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should schedule an appointment at Premier Health Care Inc. for Type 2 diabetes screening.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes develop when the body struggles to regulate and use glucose or sugar as a fuel. Unused glucose releases into the bloodstream, which can cause issues with the immune, nervous, or circulatory systems.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakes its insulin-producing beta cells for foreign cells and destroys them. Since insulin allows sugar into the cells to provide energy, cells cannot function without it. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes produce insulin in their pancreas, but their cells can’t respond to it appropriately, which causes elevated sugar levels. While the official cause of this type of diabetes is unknown, weight, age, inactivity, and genetics all appear to play a part. Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults.

How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

Once you’re diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, keeping your blood sugar within normal limits is key to managing your ongoing health. Working with Dr. Cherukuri to develop a treatment plan is critical, focusing on lifestyle changes and proper medication.

Premier Health Care Inc. diligently monitors lipid profiles, A1C, and hypertension to ensure diabetic patients avoid complications.

What health complications can develop from diabetes?

When Type 2 diabetes goes untreated, much of the body can be affected, including the heart, nerves, blood vessels, kidneys, and eyes. Keeping your blood sugar in the healthy range can drastically lower your risk for developing the following complications:

  • Nerve damage or neuropathy in the extremities
  • Heart and blood vessel disease, including high blood pressure, stroke, or atherosclerosis
  • Kidney disease Eye damage
  • Skin conditions
  • Sleep apnea
  • Dementia


Patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can live a long and healthy life with the proper management of their disease.

Dr. Cherukuri and the team work with patients to ensure they have the tools they need to manage diabetes. Call or schedule your appointment online with Premier Health Care Inc. today.