Comprehensive Diabetes Care: Experience the Dougherty’s Difference
By Mika Bradford CN, CPhT, Dougherty’s Pharmacy, North Dallas LIVING WELL Magazine
Diabetes mellitus is a serious, chronic condition of high blood sugar. There are different types of diabetes. Type 1, previously known as juvenile diabetes, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin; however, adults may be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Treatment typically includes a combination of insulin therapy along with dietary modifications. Type 2, also previously known as adult onset diabetes, is usually diagnosed later in life; however, teens and younger adults are now more commonly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with dietary modifications and weight loss. Gestational diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy is diagnosed between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy; blood sugars are back down to normal levels when the baby is born. However, woman with gestational diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetes within 2-5 years after their pregnancy. Depending on your individual needs, your physician may also prescribe an oral medication and insulin injections.
The treatment for blood sugar control varies based on the type of diabetes and is individualized to the person living with diabetes. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Although over eight million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes, only half of the people who actually have diabetes are diagnosed. This happens because in the early stages of diabetes, there are few symptoms, or the symptoms may be the same as in other health conditions. There were 1.9 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed in people aged 20 years and older in 2010.
Early Symptoms of Diabetes Include
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blurry vision that changes from day to day
- Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Frequent or recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
Once a person is diagnosed with diabetes, simple choices like what to eat can quickly become overwhelming and confusing. Without a clear understanding of how to manage food choices and medications, you are at risk of your condition progressing further. When left untreated or uncontrolled, many complications and the development of secondary health conditions can occur from having diabetes. These conditions can include but are not limited to the following:
Heart Disease and Stroke
- Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease and be at risk for stroke than adults without diabetes.
High Blood Pressure
- In 2005-2008, of adults aged 20 years or older with self-reported diabetes, 67% had blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg or used prescription medications for hypertension.
Blindness
- Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20–74 years.
Kidney Disease
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of new cases in 2008.
Nervous System Disease (Neuropathy)
- About 60% to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of neuropathy. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can range from pain and numbness in your extremities to problems with your digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels and heart.
Amputation
- More than 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes. In 2006, over 65,700 of these procedures were performed.
“These conditions can be avoided and people with diabetes can live full vibrant lives, free from complications by practicing good self-care habits.”
In 2011, Dougherty’s Pharmacy launched its Diabetes Education Program creating the opportunity for patients to receive diabetes self-management training in the comfort of their neighborhood pharmacy. The Dougherty’s Difference in diabetes care is in the personal attention our customers receive. We have taken this philosophy even further by placing it at the cornerstone of our Diabetes Education Program. Our unique approach removes common barriers that frequently keep persons with diabetes from getting the information and diabetes self-care training they desire. We believe in meeting you wherever you may be on your journey with diabetes self-management, while helping you achieve your health goals.
We can help with…
Meal Planning
You can limit the number of calories you eat each day, without eliminating your favorite foods. Our registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator can teach you the art of meal planning and portion control, helping you shed those unwanted pounds by providing easy-to-follow meal plans.
Losing Weight
Losing weight can be difficult and frustrating; however, it is possible to lose weight and keep it off. For some people, diet and exercise alone is not enough to lose weight and in these situations your physician may prescribe a medication or insulin to further support healthy blood sugar levels. Our certified diabetes educator is trained to help you with your insulin management and will help you understand your diabetes medication regimen.
Blood Sugar Testing
Testing your blood sugar levels is an important step in diabetes self-care. Blood glucose meter training is provided on a one-to-one basis for people who are new to this aspect of diabetes management. Your doctor will set target blood sugar goals based on several factors, including the type and severity of diabetes you have, your age, duration of disease, pregnancy status, presence of diabetes complications and overall health.
Our Diabetes Education Program is accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and unlike most classes on diabetes self-management training, our consultations are designed to fit your individual needs. Our certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian is here to support informed decision-making on self-care behaviors, problem solving, and actively collaborates with your health care team to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life. We accept Medicare and most commercial insurance plans; as part of the appointment scheduling process we will call your insurance company to ensure that diabetes education is a covered benefit.
To further support the needs of our clients with diabetes, we offer a Therapeutic Shoe program that offers people living with foot conditions custom fitted shoes and insoles. The program is run by our therapeutic shoe fitter and people with diabetes who have Medicare may qualify for one pair of shoes and three pairs of heat molded, insoles per calendar year. Although these shoes are designed for people with diabetes, people living with other foot problems, like bunions, hammer toes, and arch problems may benefit from these custom fitted shoes.
