Diabetes

In diabetes, the body’s ability to produce insulin is impaired.  Insulin is the hormone that allows your body to use stored glucose for energy.  Pre-diabetes is characterized by higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes; usually with a hemoglobin A1c between 5.7-6.4%.  Almost 50% of adults 65 years of age and older in the U.S.  have pre-diabetes.  Early identification and lifestyle changes are instrumental in reducing the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes.  

Diabetes has a significant impact on multiple organs and systems, and the kidneys and retinas are particularly prone to damage.   Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and annual eye exams are necessary to evaluated the retinas for damage.  Diabetes is also the primary cause for kidney failure in the U.S.  Kidney damage is signaled by protein, or albumin, being excreted in the urine, and also in elevated blood pressure.  

Risk factors include, but are not limited to: 

  • Family history

  • Advancing Age 

  • Obesity

  • Inactivity

  • Pre-diabetes

  • History of gestational diabetes 

  • Hypertension

Additional complications include, but are not limited to: 

  • Nerve damage, or neuropathy, leading to impaired sensation and/or pain in the hands and feet; 

  • Periodontal disease, which can lead to loss of teeth due to detachment from the gums;

  • Amputation, due to improper foot care and non-healing injures - diabetes is the leading cause for amputations in the U.S.; and 

  • Heart disease and stroke - diabetic patients are two to 4 times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than non-diabetic patients.  

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