The Diabetes Problem

Diabetes is one of the major chronic medical problems in the United States. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated the healthcare cost of diabetes was $327 million dollars and that number continues to grow. In addition, the CDC says more than 34 million Americans have diabetes and more than 88 million adults in the U.S. – 1 in 3 – have prediabetes, and 90 percent of them don’t know they have it. It is diagnosed with routine blood work.

The most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Diabetes mellitus type 2 constitutes 95-percent of diabetes in adults. Others include maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), gestational diabetes, etc.

Type 1 diabetes is due to an autoimmune disorder, which causes destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, and in turn are insulin dependent. Type 2 diabetes is due to the resistance developed by the body, in which the target cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin produced. Symptoms for diabetes could be unusual weight loss, increased thirst/appetite, frequent urination, blurry vision, and fatigue. Some children present bedwetting as a symptom.

High carb diets and sedentary lifestyles are the most common causes of diabetes. Family history also has a significant contribution in those diagnosed with diabetes. Management first involves dietary modifications, which includes a low carb diet and a balanced meal plan. Those newly diagnosed should also start to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

There are various medications available to control diabetes. The management is to target the blood sugar fasting less than 130, and less than 200 two hours after eating. If oral medication management is unsuccessful, insulin injections are added for diabetes management. Talk to your doctor about the right medications that will be effective for you.

Not taking proper care of diabetes can lead to many long-term effects such as vision damage, kidney damage resulting in dialysis, amputation of the limbs, heart attack, stroke and even death. Your health is your asset, and you should always seek help before it is too late if you think you may have diabetes. Early screening and intervention will help to reduce long term risks of diabetes and its complications.

MCH offers early diabetes screening at the FREE Community Diabetes Clinic located at our old Urgent Care location at 1940 E 42nd St. in Odessa. It is open every Wednesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. The clinic is FREE and is for initial diabetes diagnosis and basic treatment for people who DO NOT have insurance OR a primary care provider. You do NOT need an appointment and if you are in need of further care, you will be referred to one of our Family Health Clinics or Primary Care physicians for the rightful care you deserve.

Medical Center Health System – your one source for diabetes care.