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On The Diabetes Watch List?

167926376You may be one of the 79 million who is pre-diabetic and may not know it. You, your loved one or your child may be at risk for diabetes, particularly if the following applies.

Close to one in three children and teens that are overweight or obese.

Family History of Diabetes.

Overweight at any age, a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25.

Over Age 40.

African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander.

Your Health Access Alert

Physicians may or may not be aware of recent study results that suggest even people who are borderline Diabetic may benefit from evaluating Cardiovascular Disease risk factors as the combination of diseases may contribute to cognitive decline. Read the detail at: Diabetes-Heart-Mind Combo 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is the consequence of the body’s inability to produce and/or use the insulin properly. Insulin helps your body use or store fuel from the food that you eat. Reduced insulin leads to more glucose in the blood. Hence, Diabetes. Learn more about the Types of Diabetes!

Diabetes Implications

If left untreated or mismanaged, diabetes may lead to complications, such as, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, blindness, limb loss, dental deterioration, periodontal disease, neuropathy complications, such as from sores on the feet.  Diabetes also creates an increased risk for pneumonia and fatality.   

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Reducing the Risks

A Health Screening will let you know strategies to take charge of risks, may establish the baseline for your blood sugar (glucose) levels to predict your risk, detect the disease and may allow for early treatment to prevent complications when necessary. Health screenings may also allow for testing of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, kidney function, and other potential complications. If you are pre-diabetic or have diabetes, you may also want to perform the following activities.

  • This starts with adjusting Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits, such as, ensuring 30 minutes to one hour of a daily activity and a proper diet. And there’s more.
  • Visit an Endocrinologist, if you have diabetes to benefit from a specialist in diabetes who may direct you to a diabetes educator to learn skills for managing diabetes.
  • Go for a Vision Check Up with an Eye Doctor who may also have equipment to detect early stage diabetes.
  • Check your Kidney Function Annually through a Health Screening.
  • Visit a Podiatrist for special recommendations about your feet.
  • Develop a Diet Plan with a Registered Dietician.
  • Get a Flu Shot Annually.

174247392Managing Diabetes

Managing Diabetes requires the creation of lifelong habits that may need to be adjusted over time. For this reason, close monitoring and careful management are vital to help prevent complications and optimize quality of life. Your interdisciplinary health care professional team may set you on a path for success, but achieving success in the management of Diabetes is up to you. The only exception to this is if it identified by yourself, a loved one, or support person that you require assistance with the management of Diabetes.  This exception is important for all to know about because there may be instances when a person is not able or no longer able to manage their Diabetic care. For example, children, select seniors and those with brain injuries may not be able to recognize this or communicate this information to appropriate people.  Visit  It’s OK to Have Age Related Memory Loss? 

It is important to recognize that medications and medical procedures are associated with benefits and risks that should be discussed with your physician. It is important to recognize that all information contained on this website cannot be considered to be specific medical diagnosis, medical treatment, or medical advice. As always, you should consult with a physician regarding any medical condition. Your Health Access disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.