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Josh Johnson/LVN file photo Patti Sicherman, a diabetes educator in Fallon, said complications from diabetes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.
Editor's note: This is the third story in a four-part series on diabetes issues during Diabetes Awareness Month. Next week's installment will be on new advancements in diabetes research..
By VIKTORIA PEARSON
LVN Staff Writer
By VIKTORIA PEARSON
LVN Staff Writer
While complications from diabetes can seem frightening, proper management of the disease through healthy living can prevent further damage to the body, local diabetes experts say.
People who are diabetic need to be aware of the complications and seek appropriate treatment, said Connie Honea, diabetes educator for Banner Churchill Community Hospital.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 7 percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. Currently, there are 20.8 million children and adults diagnosed or not diagnosed who have the disease, according to the organization's Web site.
An estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, 6.2 million, nearly one-third, are not aware they have the disease, according to the site.
There are some severe complications from diabetes including problems with vision, heart, amputations, liver, kidneys, nerve damage and heart disease.
People who are diabetic need to be aware of the complications and seek appropriate treatment, said Connie Honea, diabetes educator for Banner Churchill Community Hospital.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. According to the American Diabetes Association, 7 percent of the population in the United States has diabetes. Currently, there are 20.8 million children and adults diagnosed or not diagnosed who have the disease, according to the organization's Web site.
An estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, 6.2 million, nearly one-third, are not aware they have the disease, according to the site.
There are some severe complications from diabetes including problems with vision, heart, amputations, liver, kidneys, nerve damage and heart disease.
Heart disease is the No. 1 complication from diabetes, said Honea.
"Diabetes is very hard on the large and small blood vessels of the body and the nerve cells," she said. "Of all the deaths from diabetes each year, 70 percent are from heart disease."
Strokes and poor circulation are common in diabetics. Poor circulation can lead to amputations, said Honea. Kidney failure and blindness are also common symptoms of improper management of the disease.
"There are many complications, but the key is to check your blood sugar on a regular basis," said Honea. "Call your doctor or diabetes educator if your blood sugar is not in target range. Get regular labs and exams to monitor how you're doing."
Nearly all secondary complications to diabetes are preventable, said Patti Sicherman, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. Sicherman has been the owner and operator of Diabetes Wellness in Fallon for 10 years.
"Diabetes is very hard on the large and small blood vessels of the body and the nerve cells," she said. "Of all the deaths from diabetes each year, 70 percent are from heart disease."
Strokes and poor circulation are common in diabetics. Poor circulation can lead to amputations, said Honea. Kidney failure and blindness are also common symptoms of improper management of the disease.
"There are many complications, but the key is to check your blood sugar on a regular basis," said Honea. "Call your doctor or diabetes educator if your blood sugar is not in target range. Get regular labs and exams to monitor how you're doing."
Nearly all secondary complications to diabetes are preventable, said Patti Sicherman, a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. Sicherman has been the owner and operator of Diabetes Wellness in Fallon for 10 years.
"Most of these complications can be prevented if lifestyle, exercise and medication are managed correctly," said Sicherman. "Patients understanding the medications they are taking and how they work will give them more bang for their buck."
Some nationalities are more prone to diabetes and the complications. People of Native American or Hispanic decent are more prone to the need for dialysis due to diabetes than Caucasians, she said.
The length of time a person can live with diabetes without complications is primarily based on his or her dedication to managing the disease through proper nutrition, exercise lifestyle and medications, said Sicherman.
"I personally have a child with type 1 diabetes who was diagnosed at 8 years old," she said. "I perceive that he is in better health at 28 than others his age because he has learned to manage and balance his health over the long term; I believe this makes him healthier."
Although no complication can be eliminated, it is very possible to prevent complications using these methods and live a healthier, longer life than those not managing their health regularly, said Sicherman.
Some nationalities are more prone to diabetes and the complications. People of Native American or Hispanic decent are more prone to the need for dialysis due to diabetes than Caucasians, she said.
The length of time a person can live with diabetes without complications is primarily based on his or her dedication to managing the disease through proper nutrition, exercise lifestyle and medications, said Sicherman.
"I personally have a child with type 1 diabetes who was diagnosed at 8 years old," she said. "I perceive that he is in better health at 28 than others his age because he has learned to manage and balance his health over the long term; I believe this makes him healthier."
Although no complication can be eliminated, it is very possible to prevent complications using these methods and live a healthier, longer life than those not managing their health regularly, said Sicherman.
