Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 56)

ASK The ExpErt Q&A Eugene Go, MD, FACE, is board-certified in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. A member of the Parrish Medical Group and the Parrish Medical Center medical staff, he is specially trained to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems such as diabetes, thyroid conditions and metabolic syndrome. His office is in the Parrish Healthcare Center at Port St. John, 5005 Port St. John Parkway, Suite 2600. For an appointment, call 321-504-7375. Me, Have Diabetes? the disease by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring your blood sugar levels Q What is diabetes? Q What are the symptoms? Q What medical tests are done to check for diabetes? Diabetes is a medical condition that results in high blood sugar levels. There are several types of diabetes. The most common, type 2 diabetes, is mostly found in adults but is being seen more in children as childhood obesity increases. Type 1 diabetes is more common in children but can be seen in adults. The disease can also appear in pregnant women as gestational diabetes. Symptoms associated with diabetes depend on how high your blood sugar level is and how fast your sugar level rises. Thirst, hunger, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision and weight loss are some of the most common symptoms. Fasting blood sugar, random sugar, HbA1c and glucose tolerance tests are done to diagnose diabetes. Q What if I am diagnosed with diabetes? Q What happens if I don't take care of myself? Q Manage How can I learn to live with my diabetes? One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to change your lifestyle. You need to follow a healthy diabetes diet, exercise and lose weight if you are overweight. You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly, and your doctor may prescribe pills, injectable medications or insulin to control your blood sugar. To decrease the risk of developing complications, you'll need to regulate your blood sugar. Shortterm complications from very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include infections and diabetic coma. Abnormally low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you are on insulin or oral medications. Long-term complications include damage to the eyes that can lead to blindness, kidney failure that can lead to dialysis, and nerve damage that can lead to amputation of limbs. Other complications include heart attack and stroke. So please, take control of your diabetes. 56 SU M M E R 2 014 PHOTO BY THinkSTOCk Your primary care physician can refer you to an endocrinologist, who specializes in treating diabetes. You should also enroll in a diabetes self-management program. You'll find information about Parrish Medical Center's Diabetes Education Program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, on page 52. If you are interested, ask your doctor for a Diabetes Education Program referral, call the office at 321-268-6699, and check the website at parrishmed.com/diabetes. http://www.parrishmed.com/diabetes

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips Chef
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Hospital Specialists
I’m Allergic to That Medication ... I Think
Stress SOS
The Truth About Sunscreen
The Transformers
Get Your Head in the Game
The Journey Continues
On the Cover
The Foot Follies
Friendly Fat
Virtual Health
Life After Leaving the Hospital
Screen Savers
People to Support You in Your Fight Against Diabetes
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - Parrish Medical Center