Prevention is always a good place to start to ward off any problem. The same can be said for diabetes. Diabetes is preventable. It may not be a well-known fact but there are things a person can do to avoid this growing disease. Obesity and sedentary lifestyles are known to increase the risk of Type II diabetes. Reducing the risk of diabetes can be done through diet and exercise.
The startling fact is that one third of all persons with diabetes do not even know that they have it. Routine tests taken when they visit a doctor for what appears to be an unrelated problem, often indicate the fist sign of the disease. Some of the physical symptoms that may bring a patient to the clinic for answers may in fact be a complication of diabetes. Some of the related issues with diabetes include excessive thirst or urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, always feeling hungry, heart attack, or stroke. While there may be explanations other than diabetes for some of these conditions, tests to rule out whether the condition is present should be conducted.
Who should be tested for diabetes? If any of the preceding symptoms are present, a test should be run. However, it is strongly recommended that anyone 45 or older should also be tested. After the initial test, a test should be repeated every three years. This is the guideline to follow if everything appears normal. There are specific scenarios that supersede this rule and should be considered a valid reason to choose testing for diabetes before the age of 45.
Testing should be done earlier for individuals who have one of the following conditions:
- Are overweight with a BMI greater than 25
- Have a first degree relative with diabetes such as a parent, sibling or child.
- Are members of a high-risk ethnic group (African American, Hispanic, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander).
- Delivered a baby weighting over nine pounds.
- Are hypertensive or have high blood pressure (greater than 140/90)
- Previously tested showing elevated fasting or random blood glucose level.
- HDL Cholesterol less than 35 mg/dl and /or triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dl.
The Norton Sound Health Corporation Diabetes Program is available to anyone seeking information and support in the care of diabetes. The diabetes program strongly encourages persons with diabetes to manage their illness. With the information provided by this program, individualized plans can be developed that provide help in designing a proper diet, exercise regime, self-glucose monitoring and appropriate use of any medications that may be used.
Besides being a medically based program, the diabetes program is an educational resource for the disease and assists in training for disease monitoring. It also provides any medical testing that may be required and further follow-up. Rita Binford, clinic coordinator for the diabetes program reminds everyone that the program is available as a resource and encourages the community to utilize their services. One of their primary focuses is to help people learn how to live as healthy as possible within the context of their diabetes.
With a good blood glucose count, the patient is able to feel good and have the energy to do the things they enjoy. Maintaining a good blood count is also significant in preventing the onset or delay of long-term diabetes complications. These complications include eye, kidney and nerve disease.
This is just a brief sampling of the information available at the Norton Sound Health Corporation Diabetes Program. Additional information and helpful support is but a phone call away. The phone number at the diabetes program is 443-3480 and they are there to answer your concerns and questions between the hours of 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Photo by Marilyn Janke
DIABETES NURSE— Registered Nurse available for resource and education about diabetes, Rita Binford, Chronic Care Coordinator at Norton Sound Health Corporation.
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CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST/DIETICIAN—Angie Gorn provides educational information and nutritional guidelines to clients in the Diabetes Program.
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