There are two basic types
of diabetes – I & II. In type I diabetes, the pancreas makes
little or no insulin. The sugar, glucose, cannot enter the
body's cells to serve as a source of energy. Insulin injections
must be used daily to keep blood glucose levels down and sustain
life. Less than 10% of people with diabetes have type I
diabetes.
In type II diabetes, the body cannot use insulin that it makes
and the blood glucose levels rise. As the disease progresses the
pancreas makes less and less insulin. This type of diabetes is
treated with oral medication and/or insulin injection.
People who have diabetes use five major tools to keep their
diabetes under control:
- Education: The key to
diabetes care – It is important to learn what to do and how
to control diabetes.
- Meal planning: To
help keep blood glucose at a manageable level and maintain
weight.
- Exercise: To help
prevent cardiovascular complications and, to improve overall
diabetes control.
- Insulin and
medication: To help glucose go into the body's cells where
it can be used as a source of energy.
- Glucose monitoring:
To serve as a guide for meal planning, exercise and the
proper use of insulin and oral medication.
The good news about type I
diabetes is that intensive treatment aimed at achieving near
normal blood sugar levels, reduces risk of long-tern
complications. In one study; eye problems were reduced by 76%;
kidney disease by 56%; and nerve damage by 60%. Studies are
underway to determine benefits of intensive treatment in type II
diabetes.
Our Diabetes Care Program is customized to the individual's
specific needs. It is designed to help the person with diabetes
feel better and live longer. We work with physicians and other
health care professionals to help insure that our Diabetes Care
Program participants receive the knowledge and monitoring
necessary to achieve near normal blood glucose levels and reduce
overall health cost.
- Detailed interview to
help determine diabetes-related programs and needs.
- Systematic,
individualized diabetes education that is provided over an
extended time period. Education covers use of blood glucose
monitoring systems.
- Medication therapy
evaluation for diabetes and other chronic health problems
related to diabetes.
- Therapeutic
monitoring to determine the extent to which goals of
diabetes care are being achieved.
- Consultation on minor
health problems – including selection of appropriate
nonprescription medication and products.
- Our pharmacists are
certified by the Texas Diabetes Institute, and are also
Members of Gladstone Group of Pharmacy Consultants.
These professional services will be
provided for a minimal charge.
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