Type 2 diabetes care in Brookfield
Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill help adults and older adults keep type 2 diabetes under control. We check your numbers, review your medicines and talk through food choices with you.
- Medicare accepted
- Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill
- Brookfield, IL
Maple Medical Center in Brookfield helps adults and older adults manage type 2 diabetes. Our doctors check your A1C with a blood draw in our office and review your medicines. They watch for low blood sugar and talk with you about foot, eye and kidney checks. We also offer diabetes counseling and help with food planning.
How we help with type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes means your body has trouble using the sugar from food. Over time, high blood sugar can harm your eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and feet.
Steady care lowers the chance of these problems. Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill are internal medicine doctors who care for adults and older adults. They look at the whole picture, including your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and other medicines.
Our practice has always been built on personal, one-to-one care. Seeing the same doctor over time makes it easier to notice changes and adjust your plan.
What happens at a diabetes visit
We hear how you are doing
Tell us about highs, lows, thirst, tiredness or changes in your vision. Bring your glucose meter or written log if you check at home.
We check your numbers
We check your blood pressure and weight. Blood for your A1C and other lab tests can be drawn right here in our office.
We go over your medicines
Bring every bottle, including vitamins and over-the-counter pills. We look for doses that may be too strong or no longer needed.
We review the checks you are due for
Diabetes affects many parts of the body. Your doctor will tell you which foot, eye, kidney and other checks are due.
We agree on next steps
You and your doctor set your goals together, along with any medicine changes and when to come back.
Your A1C and blood sugar numbers
The A1C is a blood test. It shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It is one of the main ways we track diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests an A1C of 7% or less for most people. Your goal may be higher or lower. It depends on your age, your other health problems and your risk of low blood sugar.
The ADA advises an A1C test at least twice a year. You may need it more often if your treatment changes or is not working well.
If you check your sugar at home, write the numbers down or bring your meter. A pattern over several days tells us more than one reading.
Checks to ask us about
Diabetes can quietly affect your eyes, kidneys, feet and heart. These checks help catch problems early.
- An A1C blood test, at least twice a year
- Blood pressure checks, with a goal set for you
- A cholesterol blood test
- A look at your feet at your visits, so take off your shoes and socks
- A dilated eye exam with an eye doctor, at least once a year
- Urine and blood tests to check your kidneys
- A dental visit at least once a year
Diabetes medicines
Many people with type 2 diabetes start with a pill. Some need more than one medicine, a shot or insulin. The right choice depends on your health, your other medicines and your goals.
Take your medicines as prescribed, even when you feel well. Please do not skip or cut doses to save money. Tell us if cost or side effects are a problem, and we will talk through options with you.
As we get older, the body handles medicines differently. A dose that was right years ago may now be too strong. That is one reason we review your full medicine list at your visits.
Some diabetes medicines also help protect the heart or kidneys. Your doctor will explain why each one is on your list.
Low blood sugar: a special risk for older adults
Some diabetes medicines can drop your blood sugar too low. This is more likely with insulin and with pills called sulfonylureas. The NIDDK, part of the National Institutes of Health, says being 65 or older also raises the risk.
Signs include shakiness, sweating, hunger, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, headache, irritability or confusion. Some people feel no warning signs at all. Dizziness or confusion can also make a fall more likely.
A blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is usually too low. The NIDDK advises taking 15 to 20 grams of fast sugar. Examples are 4 glucose tablets or half a cup of regular juice. Check again in 15 minutes, and repeat if you are still low. Once you feel better, have a snack if your next meal is more than an hour away.
Tell us about every low, even mild ones. Your medicine or your goal may need to change.
Food planning and diabetes counseling
The plate method
Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein and a quarter with carb foods. The CDC recommends this simple approach.
Steady meals
Eating regular meals with a similar amount of carbs at each one helps avoid highs and lows.
Diabetes counseling
Our practice offers diabetes counseling to talk through food, activity and your daily routine. Ask about it at your next visit.
Nutrition counseling
If eating habits are a struggle, nutrition counseling can help you make changes that fit the foods you enjoy.
Learn more ›Care for related conditions
Diabetes often comes with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. We look at them together as part of your ongoing care.
Learn more ›When to call us between visits
Some changes should not wait for your next appointment. Call (708) 485-4050 if:
- Your blood sugar is often below 70, or you have had a severe low
- Your blood sugar stays much higher than usual for several days
- You have a sore, blister or color change on your foot that is not healing
- You notice new blurry vision
- You are sick and cannot eat or keep fluids down
- A new medicine makes you feel unwell
Insurance and your first visit
We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. Call (708) 485-4050 and we’ll check yours before your visit. You can also read our insurance page.
New to Maple Medical Center? Visit our new patient page to learn how to get started.
Questions we hear about diabetes care
Can you draw my blood for an A1C test in the office?
Yes. Blood can be drawn here in our office for your A1C and other lab tests. Call (708) 485-4050 before your visit to ask whether you need to fast for any of them.
Do I need to fast before an A1C test?
No. The A1C test does not require fasting. Some other blood tests, such as certain glucose or cholesterol tests, may. Call us and we’ll tell you what to do.
What A1C goal is right for an older adult?
For most adults, the ADA suggests an A1C of 7% or less. Your goal may be higher if you have had low blood sugar or have other health problems. Your doctor will set a goal that fits you.
How often should I see the doctor for diabetes?
It depends on how well your diabetes is controlled and whether your medicines are changing. The ADA advises an A1C test at least twice a year, and more often after changes. Your doctor will tell you when to come back.
Can you help me with what to eat?
Yes. Our practice offers diabetes counseling and nutrition counseling. We talk through simple changes, like the plate method, that work with the foods you already eat.
What should I do if my sugar keeps going low?
Call us at (708) 485-4050. Frequent lows can mean your medicine or your goal needs to change. Please do not stop a medicine on your own without talking with your doctor.
Do vaccines matter more if I have diabetes?
Yes. The CDC says people with diabetes are more likely to have serious problems from the flu. Ask us which vaccines you are due for, based on your age and health.
Related care
Nutrition counseling
Food choices can help with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart health and weight. Our clinicians help you make changes that fit your health, your medicines and the way you like to eat.
Learn more ›Chronic condition care
Chronic diseases are health conditions that last a long time, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Our internal medicine doctors help adults and older adults keep them under control, year after year.
Learn more ›High blood pressure
High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, but it strains your heart, brain and kidneys. Dr. Ghani and Dr. Gill help adults and older adults find it, track it and bring it down safely.
Learn more ›In-office testing
Several tests your doctor may order can be done right here in our office on Ogden Avenue. That can mean fewer trips to other buildings.
Learn more ›Ready to see a doctor who knows you?
Call our Brookfield office and our team will find a time that works for you. We accept many insurance plans, including Medicare, but not every plan. We’ll check yours before your visit.
Important information
This page is general information, not medical advice. Please do not change or stop a diabetes medicine without talking with your doctor. If someone with diabetes faints, has a seizure or cannot safely swallow, call 911.