Wednesday 12 April 2017

Diabetes, You and Living with Diabetes

Walsh’s Pharmacy has maintained that people within our community deserve the best health care services, programs and advice that we can provide. Sometimes the best medicine is  a good dose of knowledge.  November is Diabetes Awareness Month in Canada, and Walsh’s Pharmacy is doing its part to “spread the word”. You may have heard, or read, about Diabetes, and its effects. But did you know that while this disease, and its effects, are growing, many Canadians may not even be aware that they might have it.

Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs, or that cells don’t respond properly to the insulin being produced by the body. Insulin is important because it moves glucose, which is a simple sugar, into the body’s cells from the blood. It also has a number of other important effects on metabolism, and the process by which the body converts nutrients into energy.

The food you eat provides the body with glucose, used by the body’s cells as a source of energy. If insulin isn’t available, or isn’t working correctly, glucose will stay in the blood. High blood glucose levels can be toxic, and the cells that don’t get enough glucose, are lacking in the fuel they need to function properly. These two problems cause the symptoms of Diabetes.

There are two types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. While Type 1 is associated with an auto-immune disorder, more than 90% of all people in North America with Diabetes have Type 2. Approximately 1/3 of people with Type 2 diabetes may not even be aware of their condition, as symptoms are not always noticeable without testing. A healthcare professional can teach you to recognize the warning signs; early detection = early treatment = improved outcomes.

More than most conditions, Diabetes requires a significant amount of patient effort. Coping with Diabetes is a lifelong challenge and involves not only you, but your doctor, your family and your Walsh’s pharmacist.

I remind people with Type 2 Diabetes that there are 3 important things they can do in their treatment: first, make lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.); second, use your medication as prescribed; and three, monitor your Blood Glucose Levels regularly. We can provide training and guidance on all three elements of this regimen.

Recent guidelines issued by the Canadian Diabetes Association states that it is essential for all people with Diabetes to self-monitor their blood glucose levels with a blood glucose monitor, and record these reading at different times of the day.

If you have questions, speak with your healthcare practitioner or your Walsh’s Pharmacy pharmacist for advice and guidance regarding Diabetes. Let’s Talk…    

Check our website, www.walshspharmacy.ca , in-store notices and newspaper for information about Diabetes. 

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