Approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes, and another 800,000 people will be diagnosed this year with the chronic disease. While there is no known cure for diabetes, the knowledge, treatment and prevention strategies of the disease advance every day.

“Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for everyday life. That is why virtually all treatment of diabetics is aimed at managing their blood sugar levels, as well as blood pressure,” says Dr. Terri Elliott, of Kenai Family Practice.

Managing diabetes is a matter of getting regular physical exams, following doctors’ orders, self-education and monitoring, and following a regular nutrition and exercise program. For instance, all people with Type 1 diabetes, usually children, need insulin. However, many people with Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 90 to 95 percent of the cases, can often be treated with diet and exercise or in combination with prescribed medication. But in every case, diabetics need to check their blood sugar levels from one to several times a day, as prescribed by their doctors.

However, if a diabetic does not manage his blood sugar levels, one of several complications can occur. He can develop life-threatening complications including kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, lower limb amputations, heart disease and stroke.

“ While there are advances being made in treating diabetes with new medicines and organ transplantations, it is still more important than ever that diabetic patients work with their doctors to manage their blood sugar levels and blood pressure to try to prevent the complications that occur with this disease,” says Dr. Elliott.

For more information about diabetes, contact your family physician or call the CPGH Diabetes Education Program at 714-4726.