Diabetes: What Patients Need to Know

Diabetes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the body’s main source of energy, and insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas—helps move glucose from the blood into the cells. When insulin production or function is impaired, blood sugar levels rise, leading to diabetes.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body produces little or no insulin. It often begins in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form. The body does not use insulin effectively or does not produce enough. It is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and age.

Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery but increases future risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Why Diabetes Matters

According to the World Health Organization, over 800 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. In the United States, about 1 in 10 adults has diabetes, and millions more have prediabetes but are undiagnosed. Early detection is critical, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and nerve damage.

Common Symptoms

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Increased hunger (eating more than usual)
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow healing of cuts or wounds

Some patients, especially with Type 2 diabetes, may have no symptoms initially, making regular screening essential.

Management and Care

Diabetes management focuses on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through:

  • Balanced nutrition
  • Regular physical activity
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Medications or insulin when prescribed

With proper medical care and lifestyle support, patients with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.

Our Commitment
At our clinic, we prioritize early diagnosis, patient education, and personalized treatment plans to help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.

If you have risk factors for diabetes or concerns about your blood sugar, we encourage you to schedule a screening with our healthcare team

References
World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes Fact Sheet

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Diabetes Statistics Report

American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes

Primary Care is Preventive Care

Preventive Care

What Is Primary Care?

Primary care is your first point of contact with the healthcare system. It includes routine checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and ongoing management of chronic conditions. More importantly, it’s about building a long-term relationship with a provider who understands your health history, lifestyle, and goals.

Prevention Starts With Consistency

Seeing a primary care provider regularly allows potential health issues to be identified early - often before they become serious or costly. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers can be managed more effectively when caught early.

Preventive care may include:

  • Annual wellness exams
  • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings
  • Immunizations and booster shots
  • Women’s and men’s health screenings
  • Lifestyle counseling for nutrition, exercise, and stress management

These simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Prevention Helps Cut Down on ER and Hospital Visits

For patients living with chronic conditions, primary care plays a critical role in prevention. Regular monitoring and medication management help prevent flare-ups, hospital visits, and disease progression. Instead of reacting to emergencies, primary care focuses on keeping you stable, informed, and supported.

Prevention Saves Time, Stress, and Money

Preventive care doesn’t just protect your health. It also helps reduce medical costs and time spent dealing with avoidable illnesses. A routine visit today can prevent more serious (and expensive) treatments tomorrow.

Your Partner in Lifelong Health

At OasisRock Medical Centre, we’re committed to being your partner in prevention. Our approach to primary care is centered on preventive care, education, and continuity of care, so you can live a healthier, more confident life.

Take charge of your health today by scheduling a visit with our primary care team.

👉Call 6828826060 today to book your preventive care appointment.

Preventive Care

Why Having a Primary Care Provider Matters (Now More Than Ever)

Primary Care Provider

Primary Care Provider

In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner until something goes wrong. That’s where a Primary Care Provider (PCP) comes in.

At OasisRock Medical Centre in Arlington, TX, we believe that having a trusted PCP isn’t just a good idea, it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your long-term health.

Here’s why:

1. A Primary Care Provider Is Your Health Guide

Think of your PCP as the quarterback of your healthcare team. We’re here to:

  • Understand your full health history
  • Monitor changes over time
  • Coordinate with specialists
  • Catch small issues before they become big problems

Instead of bouncing from urgent care to urgent care, you’ll have Dr. Eberechi Anozie, DO and the OasisRock team by your side, building a relationship and guiding you at every step.

2. Prevention Is Powerful

Many chronic conditions can be prevented – or caught early – with the right screenings and checkups. That’s why we emphasize preventive care at OasisRock.

At your wellness visits, we assess:

  • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
  • Cancer screening needs
  • Mental health and stress levels
  • Lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and exercise

Prevention saves lives and money.

3. Consistency Builds Trust

Healthcare is personal. When you have a PCP who knows your story, your family background, and your health goals, the care you receive becomes more effective and more compassionate.

At OasisRock Medical Centre, we take the time to listen, and we treat you like family.

4. Easy Access When You Need It Most

Sick? Stressed? Not sure what that new symptom means?

Skip the long wait at urgent care. As a patient at OasisRock, you’ll enjoy:

  • Same-day or next-day appointments
  • Telehealth options
  • Easy online booking
  • A real person who answers your call

We’re here when you need us – no guessing, no delays.

5. Your Health, Your Medical Home

In a world of disconnected healthcare, OasisRock Medical Centre offers a home base for your health. Whether you’re managing diabetes, navigating anxiety, or simply staying on top of your wellness, we’re here for the whole you.

From preventive care to chronic disease management and mental health support, we make care easy, personal, and dependable.

Ready to Put Your Health First?

At OasisRock Medical Centre, we’re welcoming new patients in Arlington, TX and surrounding communities. Whether you’re new to the area or ready for a fresh start with a provider who truly listens. We’d love to care for you.

👉 Book your first visit today
📞 Call us at 682 882 6060
🌐 Or schedule online at www.oasisrockmedical.com

Let’s take care of your health – together.

Understanding Pap Smears: What You Need to Know

Papsmear

Papsmear

A Pap smear – also known as a Pap test – is a simple, routine procedure that can detect early signs of cervical cancer. While quick and often painless, this screening tool can be life-saving. According to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular Pap smears are an essential part of preventive health care for women.

In this blog, Dr Eberechi Anozie, DO, will break down what Pap smears are, why they matter, and what the latest screening recommendations say.

What Is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear is a test that collects cells from the cervix – the lower, narrow part of the uterus – to check for changes that could lead to cervical cancer. It’s usually performed during a routine pelvic exam.

The test looks specifically for precancerous or abnormal cells caused most often by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Detecting and treating these abnormal cells early can prevent cervical cancer from developing.

Why Are Pap Smears Important?

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths among women in the U.S. But thanks to widespread Pap screening, both the number of new cases and deaths have decreased significantly.

According to Dr Eberechi Anozie, regular Pap smear screenings are an essential part of preventive care for women, even if they feel healthy and have no symptoms.

Pap smears can:

  • Detect precancerous changes before symptoms appear
  • Help ensure early treatment, which is often more effective
  • Reduce the risk of developing invasive cervical cancer

When Should You Start Getting Pap Smears?

Both ACOG and the CDC provide clear guidelines for when and how often women should be screened:

Ages 21–29:

  • Start screening at age 21, regardless of sexual activity
  • Get a Pap smear every 3 years
  • HPV testing is not routinely recommended in this age group unless Pap results are abnormal

Ages 30–65:

You have a few options:

  1. Pap smear every 3 years, or
  2. HPV test alone every 5 years, or
  3. Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years

The choice may depend on your personal health history and your provider’s recommendation.

Over age 65:

You may stop screening if:

  • You’ve had 3 consecutive normal Pap tests or
  • 2 normal co-tests within the past 10 years
  • And you’ve had no abnormal results in the past 10 years

Women with a history of cervical cancer, HIV, weakened immune systems, or who were exposed to DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth may need more frequent screening.

Does the HPV Vaccine Change the Guidelines?

Even if you’ve received the HPV vaccine, routine Pap smears are still recommended. The vaccine protects against many—but not all—types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Screening is still the best way to catch any abnormalities early.

What to Expect During a Pap Smear

The test usually takes just a few minutes:

  1. You’ll lie on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups.
  2. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to gently open it.
  3. Your provider uses a small brush or spatula to collect cells from the cervix.
  4. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

Some mild cramping or spotting may occur afterward, but serious discomfort is uncommon.

Tips Before Your Appointment

  • Avoid douching, vaginal creams, or intercourse for 24–48 hours before the test
  • Schedule the test when you’re not on your period for the most accurate results
  • Wear comfortable clothing and try to relax during the exam

Bottom Line

Routine Pap smears are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent cervical cancer. Following the screening schedule recommended by ACOG and the CDC can help catch changes early—long before they become life-threatening.

If you’re due for a Pap smear, or unsure when your last one was, or if you have questions or concerns about Pap smears, talk to Dr Eberechi Anozie at OasisRock Medical Centre, give us a call 682 882 6060. Your future self will thank you.

Low-cost Pap smear $85 at OasisRock Medical Centre Arlington, TX

Need a Pap? But no health insurance. We’ve got you covered. Taking care of your health should be simple and affordable. Call us to schedule your low cost pap only visit at $85. Only for a limited time.

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): www.acog.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov