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BaylorHealth Magazine :
May 2006 :
Hopkins :
Could this Serious Illness Strike You?
Could this Serious Illness Strike You?
Millions of Americans may be living with undiagnosed diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the biggest health threats to Americans today. More than 17 million Americans have diabetes, and one could argue that they are the lucky ones. Millions more are in the early stages of the disease, but overlook the symptoms. Diagnosing diabetes can put you on the path to managing the illness and avoiding its dangerous complications.
If you have one or more of the symptoms listed below, schedule a visit with your doctor.
- constant fatigue
- dehydration
- frequent urination
- constant hunger
- unexplained weight loss
- blurred vision
- numbness and tingling of the feet
- wounds that don't heal
- recurring vaginal yeast infections
- sexual dysfunction (difficulty maintaining an erection)
Today's tighter screening standards mean doctors are detecting diabetes earlier and helping people get it under control sooner. Monitoring kits are easy to use and require just a small amount of blood. Treatment options such as new drugs and small, portable insulin pumps help lower blood sugar and prevent serious complications.
All of these advances are good news for people with diabetes. Thanks to improved early detection, new treatment, and better understanding of diet and exercise, people with diabetes can expect to live longer, healthier and more active lives than ever before.
By Stephanie Thurrott
It Takes a TEAM
You don't have to manage your diabetes alone. At Memorial Hospital, the TEAM Diabetes program can help. "TEAM Diabetes is a comprehensive course in diabetes, covering medications, foods, exercise, monitoring insulin levels and things to report to your doctor," explains diabetes educator Sharon Alexander, R.N.The program starts with a one-on-one meeting during which a certified diabetes educator will answer your questions about diabetes. Next are three group sessions, two with a registered dietitian and one with Alexander, covering nutrition and other diabetes management topics.
A fifth appointment, about a month later, helps you learn how to recognize patterns to better manage your blood sugar. And six months later at a follow-up meeting, you can track your progress and learn additional tips to manage your diabetes.
There's also a free ongoing support group where optometrists, podiatrists and others who specialize in complications of diabetes can answer your questions.
Spanish-speaking interpreters and dietitians are also available.
Find out more about the TEAM Diabetes program at Memorial Hospital by calling (903) 439-4149.