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A Life-Extending Program
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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