Diabetes Care

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not properly produce or use insulin. With Type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly. Gestational diabetes is a condition that affects pregnant women.

In the United States alone, nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes, yet a third of them have not yet been diagnosed. Untreated diabetes can lead to stroke, eye problems, kidney disease and heart disease, as well as contribute to a number of other health problems. Physicians at the Apple Valley Medical Center work hard to help patients control their cholesterol, blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) through regular check ups and carefully controlled diet and exercise.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, here are some ways you can minimize your risk:

* See your physician every three to six months. Keep track of your blood sugar levels and bring your log book to the appointment with you.

* Have your feet examined once a year.

* See an eye doctor once a year for a dilated eye exam. Ask one of our nurses for a form to take with you.

* Have a urine test for protein every year.

* Make sure you understand your diabetes care goals. Total cholesterol should be less than 200, with an LDL of 99 or less. Glycosylated Hemoglobin, or A1C, should be 6.9 or less. Fasting blood sugar levels should be 80 to 130.

* Follow your diet and exercise program.

* Don’t smoke!

* Maintain a healthy blood pressure of less than 129/79. (Remember, we offer free blood pressure checks in our 24-Hour Urgent Care.)

* Attend one of our diabetes education classes