Dr. Zerafa has extra training in the treatment (and more importantly REVERSAL) of type 2 diabetes through his Obesity Medicine training. As a patient in this office, here is what to expect:
1) Dr. Zerafa will work closely with you on a very specific diet to minimize prescription drug use. Many diabetic drugs (insulin and several other pills) make diabetes WORSE and INCREASE the risk of having a heart attack or stroke from diabetes. Since a very specific diet can actually CURE diabetes or at least significantly reduce heart attacks and strokes from diabetes, it is very important that you work closely with Dr. on specific issues regarding diabetic diets.
2) You have several important jobs as a patient of Dr. Zerafa’s if you have diabetes. If your diabetes is uncontrolled, (currently defined as HgbA1c > 7.9) you will have a monthly appointment until the A1c is better. At these appointments you will be expected to present written glucose logs and a summary (either written or on cell phone pictures) of the foods you have eaten during that month. Dr. Zerafa has invested hundreds of his personal hours learning and developing ideal diabetic/obesity strategies. He really wants your diabetes to get better! If you are not interested in adjusting your diet or investing the time necessary to record blood glucose and food intake, you may want to find another doctor.
3) Dr. Zerafa will keep up on monitoring the effects of diabetes on your body. This means checking bloodwork, kidney function, ordering eye exams, etc. If you do not follow through on your appointments or testing, you will be discharged from the practice.
4) Diabetic appointments are for diabetes only. No other issues will be addressed at diabetic appointments.