Blog Posts

PREDIABETES

6/24/2020

Prediabetes is often the precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus(DM). It is diagnosed when fasting blood sugars run high, but not high enough to formally diagnose diabetes. Fortunately, prediabetics are often able to slow or stop the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is due to poor insulin production and insulin resistance. Insulin is made by the pancreas and used to help transport blood sugar into the cell. Without insulin, blood sugars rise. In type 2 DM, insulin continues to be produced by the pancreas, but the amount of insulin is not enough. To make matters worse, the body becomes resistant to insulin. Type 2 DM is usually diagnosed later in life, after a period of prediabetes. Type 1 diabetes is very different. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body quits making insulin altogether. It is usually diagnosed as a child or adolescent.

Type 2 diabetes is a result of both genetic and lifestyle factors. Individuals with a strong family history of type 2 diabetes are at higher risk. Lifestyle choices also deeply affect one’s progression to type 2 DM. Overweight adults are at much higher risk, as are those who do not regularly exercise.

Prediabetics who make lifestyle changes are often successful at lowering blood sugars!

Regular exercise is a must. For healthy adults, the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise. Strength training is recommended twice weekly. Keep in mind, these are goals to work towards! If you have not exercised regularly in the past, you should start slowly. Lunchtime walks, taking the stairs at work and biking instead of driving are all ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Diet changes may prevent the onset of diabetes. Limit added sugars(soda, juices, candy, etc…), and simple starches(pastas, potatoes, etc…). Choose fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Slow and steady weight loss is best.

With healthy weight loss, a good diet and regular exercise, many prediabetics are often able to control their blood sugars and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

June 22nd, 2020

6/22/2020

Have you ever fallen? Were you able to get up after the fall, or did you have to call for help? Unfortunately, too many of us struggle with these questions. Not only do falls cause pain and injury, but they are the reason many leave their homes in search of nursing home care. Thankfully, there are many measures available to help prevent falls in the home and keep you on your feet.

There are a variety of medical reasons why you may be prone to fall. First, acute illness must be ruled out as a possible cause. Even a urinary tract infection can cause one to feel unsteady, dizzy or a little “off.” It is important to check labs and blood pressures. Medications may need to be adjusted. Many chronic neurologic disorders affect gait as well. It is always a good idea to discuss balance difficulties with your health care provider and seek out any identifiable cause.

Exercise is known to improve balance. Certain exercises, like tai chi, can be especially helpful in strengthening muscles and preventing falls. Many gyms and community centers have classes that specialize in balance training. Physical therapy is another option. Many physical therapists specialize in balance training and will customize exercises for your specific needs.

Adjustments to make your home safer are also a good idea. Occupational therapists will often come into the house and make suggestions regarding fall risk. Moving rugs out of the way, using nonslip bathmats, and adjusting handrails are just a few of the ways to make your home safer. Keeping a well lit home also prevents falls.

One can not underestimate the importance of good shoes! Make sure socks, shoes and braces fit well. Foot and ankle arthritis should not be dismissed. If left unchecked, it will certainly affect mobility.

Canes and walkers, if used correctly, may help prevent falls and provide support when walking.

Poor vision is sometimes the cause of falls. It is important to have routine eye exams. Well fitting glasses and an up to date prescription may make the difference between easily navigating the stairs or stumbling.

It is so important to prevent falls at home. Discuss balance with your health care provider and look for any correctable causes. Structured physical therapy and regular exercise improve balance and fight against falls. Make your home safer! If needed, contact an occupational therapist or a handyman to help. Wear good shoes and check your vision on a regular basis. Regular, routine health and home care helps keep one out of the hospital and at home!

The ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM

6/22/2020

Whether you’re 3, 35 or 70 years of age, it is always a good idea to have a yearly physical exam! Routine physical exams are a fantastic way to prevent disease and screen for chronic illness.

Well child checks are routine for infants and children. During each well child check, your provider will review your child’s growth patterns and overall development. Vision and hearing screens are frequently performed. At times, urine and blood work is obtained. The CDC recommends a number of childhood vaccinations to prevent against everything from polio, to whopping cough to meningitis. It is important for your child to receive their vaccinations as recommended to prevent against unnecessary disease, health complications and hospitalizations.

As we age, preventative care changes somewhat. Annual exams address the need for cervical, prostate, colon and breast cancer screening. Fasting lab is more frequently drawn for adults. Lab typically screens for diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and high cholesterol. As we age, blood pressure tends to rise. Routine exams are a good way to track these blood pressure changes and address them as needed. Finally, adults need immunizations as well. Routine vaccinations for shingles, pneumonia and tetanus are often discussed.

Finally, a yearly physical exam is usually a good time to review lifestyle patterns that effect your general health. Healthy diets, regular exercise, seat belts and caffeine usage are addressed- just to name a few!

Our body is wonderfully designed, but it does require regular maintenance to operate at its best! Make the effort to schedule a yearly physical exam!