My doctor told me I have diabetes. What do I do now?
Management of your blood sugar is crucial to avoiding the complications associated with diabetes. This can be accomplished in three ways diet, exercise and medication. Diabetes is America's sixth leading cause of death, following closely behind heart disease and cancer. Yet only 32% of us perceive type 2 diabetes as a serious health threat. Most type 2 diabetics do not know that their condition significantly magnifies their risk of heart attack and stroke.
 

What is diabetes?
The body of a person with diabetes either doesn't produce or doesn't properly use insulin, a hormone which allows blood sugar from the blood to enter your cells where it is used for fuel. There are several types of diabetes.
 

What are the types of diabetes?
Type 1 sometime called juvenile or insulin dependent diabetes in which the pancreas no longer produces insulin or the pancreas simply doesn't make enough insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots to regulate their diabetes.  Type 2 the majority of people diagnosed with diabetes has type 2. in type 2 your pancreas produces insulin, but your body isn't able to use it properly. Typically type 2 develops in people over 30 who have several risk factors for the disease.
 

What causes diabetes?
You have a family history of diabetes, you're overweight, you have a low HDL( good) cholesterol level(less than 50 for women ,below 40 for men),high total cholesterol of more than 200,or triglycerides above 150. you have high blood pressure (more than 130/85) your over 45,you lead an inactive lifestyle, your African -American, Asian American ,Latino or Native American.
You have a family history of diabetes, you're overweight, you have a low HDL( good) cholesterol level(less than 50 for women ,below 40 for men),high total cholesterol of more than 200,or triglycerides above 150. you have high blood pressure (more than 130/85) your over 45,you lead an inactive lifestyle, your African -American, Asian American ,Latino or Native American.
 

Is there a cure for diabetes?
Right now there is no cure for diabetes but new research by both private and government agencies including the National Institute of Health are focusing on all the genes that influence getting Diabetes, from which new therapies and an eventual cure may be found.
 

Why is insulin over oral medication?
Although it is common for your doctor to first prescribe oral medication before insulin he may decide to on insulin therapy based upon several factors, including your overall health, length of time you've had Diabetes, your blood sugar levels and other types of medication you may be taking.


Why should I test my blood glucose (sugar) level?
Long term, you'll be at greater risk for major complications which include eye, kidney, and nerve damage if you allow your blood glucose (sugar) level to remain high. Short term symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, frequent urination and itchy dry skin.

What services do you provide to people with diabetes?
Life Quality not only provides a comprehensive line of products for the management of your diabetes but we like our patients to refer to us as a resource guide. We will be happy answer any questions you may have about diabetes.
 

What Medicare-covered products does Life Quality Home  provide?
Test strips and glucometers- Medicare and most private insurer's will cover a three month supply of test strips and a new glucometer every five years. Life Quality can offer you a new glucometer at no cost in less than five years if we provide you test strips for that meter.
Lancing devices-a new lancing device is covered every six months. Lancing devices have an internal spring which wears out which can cause impropper and painful puncture.
Control solution-covered every three months. Important to use to verify accuracy of your meter. You should check the expiration date on all control solution .
Batteries- covered every six months. Meters have a microprocessor inside and if your battery runs low results can be inaccurate.

What is an A1c (HbA1c) test?
Beyond daily at home blood sugar testing people with type 2 diabetes should check their long range blood sugar levels two to four times a year. Hba1c test measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin , revealing you average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months. Now it is possible to take this test at home. The chart below indicates the range your blood sugars have averaged based upon the a1c % at the right side.

Why should I pay close attention to the health of my feet?
Diabetes can cause poor circulation in the feet, which makes them more susceptible to infections. When your doctor examines your feet ,he should check the pulses ,see whether the feet are getting good circulation by looking at capillary refill in the toes, and look for severe cuts calluses, bruises or infections.

What is diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetes can damage tiny blood vessels in the retina (the light sensitive inner layer of the eyes), increasing the chance of vision problems and even blindness. A special eye check can detect early damage and allow for prompt treatment.
What are some outside sources for diabetes information?