Diabetes is a complicated disease process that can lead to serious problems if not treated properly.  The purpose of our education programs are to make you aware of the potential problems that you may face and show you how to avoid them. 

Avoid problems by taking control of your diabetes now!

Heart Disease

Genetics, high blood fat, obesity, smoking and Diabetes all contribute to developing heart disease. It remains the number one cause of death for people with diabetes in America. Controlling your weight, decreasing stress, quiting smoking and controlling blood glucose will all help to reduce your risk.

Test: Have a lipid profile every year, monitor blood pressure

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Major blood vessels in your arms or legs become clogged in much the same way as in heart disease and for similar reasons. People with diabetes are 4-6 times more likely to have Peripheral Vascular Disease than those that do not have diabetes. The first symptoms may be pain in legs at rest, cold legs or feet, numbness in the legs. Report any loss of sensation in feet or arms as well as poor healing.

Retinopathy (Diabetic Eye Disease)

Blood vessels that deliver nutrients to the eye bulge and leak form high blood sugars. This continues until eventually the vessels bleed into the eye and cause permanent damage. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the USA. It occurs in 55-80 percent of people with Type 2 after 15 years. Retinopathy can be reversed if caught early. Because there are no symptoms in teh early stages, it is important to be checked even if you think every thing is fine.

Test: Annual eye dilation performed by an Ophthalmologist.

Nephropathy: (Diabetic Kidney Disease)

High blood sugars cause the kidney to filter too much blood. Eventually the kidneys can’t keep up and they start to leak nutrients that the body needs, such as protein, into the urine. Because the kidneys are not working properly, waste products build up in the body. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and the need for dialysis in the United States. About 1 out of 10 people with diabetes has nephropathy. It can be treated if caught early but there are no symptoms of early disease and must be detected through blood and urine tests.

Gastropathy

Gastropathy is a type of neuropathy or nerve damage that affects the stomach.  Nerves that control the passage of food through the stomach are damaged and absorption of food is delayed. Symptoms include feeling of fullness or bloating after eating.

Peripheral Neuropathy

High blood sugar and poor circulation lead to nerve damage in the feet and hands.   Diabetes is leading cause of foot amputations as a result of unnoticed and untreated skin breaks in the feet. Report any symptoms of tingling, numbness or pain to your Doctor. Check you feet daily, and ask your doctor to check them at each visit

Oral Hygiene

Diabetes is a leading cause of mouth and gum disease. Brush and floss daily (only floss the teeth you want to keep) and have a professional teeth cleaning every 6 months.

Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual Dysfunction occurs in 50-75 percent of men with diabetes and many women. Males may experience premature ejaculation or be unable to have or maintain an erection. Females most often experience vaginal dryness and discomfort

Although it may be embarrassing to you, it is important to know that sexual dysfunction is a common problem and there are many very effective treatments.  Talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you notice changes in your sexual function.