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Risk of Diabetes Complications
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
May 15, 2007
Cathy Prescott, RN BSN, who was responsible for starting the diabetes program
at Prairie Clinic, spoke to the Diabetes Support Group on Tuesday, May 15.
Sometimes people are overly fearful of the complications of diabetes, but
Cathy stressed that the health concerns could be prevented and controlled.
The goal in diabetes care is to maintain healthy blood vessels through
blood sugar control. Problems can be recognized early through regular check ups
with your provider. She identified the different body systems that could be
affected by diabetes; for example, small vessels of the eyes can become weak,
so it is important to have an annual dilated pupil exam. If the vessels of the
neck narrow, a stroke could occur. The heart is the body's bid pump and if
blood vessels are damaged, the result is heart disease.
Nerves are very sensitive to high blood sugars and can cause numbness and
tingliness in the hands and feet. Delayed stomach emptying and poor bladder
control may also occur with uncontrolled diabetes. An annual urine test is done
to check kidney function. Our kidneys are very sensitive to high sugars and high
blood pressures. Your provider may add medication to treat high cholesterol
and high blood pressure to protect your heart.
Cathy stressed the importance of routine care, which in addition to your
physician, could also include an eye doctor, a dentist, a foot doctor, a dietician,
and a diabetes educator. Goal in diabetes care is to recognize problems early
and offer interventions that will be beneficial to your health. Handouts were
provided and Cathy encouraged those present to take an active role in their
diabetes care.
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