Diabetes Care Center

We are very proud of our full-service Diabetes Care Center 
in which we offer the following:

 Diabetes Testing Supply Guidelines    Diabetes Health Information

Latest News    Diabetes Resources/Links    Recipes

  

DIABETES MELLITUS 

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is the inability of the body to produce or respond properly to the
hormone insulin. The body needs insulin to convert glucose ("blood sugar") to energy. Diabetes is defined as a fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or more measured on two occasions. 

The two major forms of the disease are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, usually appears in adults, often in middle age. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity and may be delayed or controlled with diet and exercise. Obesity and physical inactivity are two risk factors for type 2 diabetes. In a mild form, it can go undetected for many years. Untreated diabetes can lead to a host of serious medical problems, including cardiovascular disease. 

The other form of diabetes mellitus is type 1 or juvenile diabetes. It typically begins early in life. People with type 1 diabetes have a primary insulin deficiency and must take insulin to stay alive. 

Diabetes is treatable, but even when glucose levels are under control, diabetes greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In fact, most people with diabetes die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Part of the reason for this is that diabetes affects cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Often people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, increasing their risk even more. 

When diabetes is detected, a doctor may prescribe changes in eating habits, weight
control and exercise programs, and even drugs to keep it in check. It's critically important for people with diabetes to have regular check-ups. Work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your diabetes and control any other risk factors. For example, blood pressure for people with diabetes should be lower than 130/80 mm Hg. 

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician
for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following
symptoms: 

Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of
these symptoms in the abrupt onset of insulin-dependent
diabetes, now called type 1 diabetes.

What is the treatment for diabetes?

Management strategies should be planned along with a qualified
health care team.

The following information on treatments for diabetes is from the
National Diabetes Fact Sheet: National estimates and general
information on diabetes in the United States (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and
Human Services, 1997):

Diabetes knowledge, treatment, and prevention strategies
advance daily. Treatment is aimed at keeping blood glucose near
normal levels at all times. Training in self-management is integral
to the treatment of diabetes. Treatment must be individualized
and must address medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle issues.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes: Lack of insulin production by the
pancreas makes type 1 diabetes particularly difficult to control.
Treatment requires a strict regimen that typically includes a
carefully calculated diet, planned physical activity, home blood
glucose testing several times a day, and multiple daily insulin
injections.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes: Treatment typically includes diet
control, exercise, home blood glucose testing, and in some cases,
oral medication and/or insulin. Approximately 40% of people with
type 2 diabetes require insulin injections.

Can diabetes be prevented?

A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can
significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It also
appears to be associated with obesity. Researchers are making
progress in identifying the exact genetics and "triggers" that
predispose some individuals to develop type 1 diabetes, but
prevention, as well as a cure, remains elusive.

AHA Recommendation

Diabetes is a major risk factor for stroke and is now recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack. People with diabetes may avoid or delay heart and blood vessel disease by controlling the other risk factors. It's especially important to control weight and blood cholesterol with a low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet and regular exercise. It's also important to lower high blood pressure and avoid smoking.


Related AHA publication (s): 

See also in this Guide:

Body Composition Tests 
Cholesterol 
Cholesterol in Children 
Cholesterol, Lowering the Levels 
Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Diseases 
Diabetes Mellitus Statistics 
Dietary Guidelines for Healthy American Adults 
Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Children 
Exercise (Physical Activity) 
Heart Attack 
High Blood Pressure 
Kidneys and Kidney Function 
Obesity and Overweight 
Obesity and Overweight in Children 
Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease 
Step I and Step II Diets 
Stroke 
Stroke Risk Factors 
Syndrome X 

See also in this Web site:

2000 Heart and Stroke Statistical Update 

AHA Scientific Statement:

Rationale of the Diet-Heart Statement of the American Heart Association 
Dietary Guidelines for Healthy American Adults 
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease 

© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

The information contained in this American Heart Association (AHA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and the AHA recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional. 

Here are some items Staats Pharmacy can offer you as your Diabetes Learning Center. 

Certified Diabetes Educator

Barbara D. Smith, RPh, CDE, is one of our pharmacists who has been working with persons with diabetes for many years. She became a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) in 1995 by fulfilling the eligibility requirements and passing a national certification examination. Barbara is available for consultation on various diabetes-related issues as well as blood glucose monitor training and diabetes self-management training.

Diabetes Self-Management Training

We offer diabetes self-management training to persons with diabetes and their family members/caregivers. Diabetes self-management gives the person with diabetes the tools necessary to better manage their diabetes. Topics covered during the sessions include:

This service is provided by appointment and is covered by many Third Party Insurers with a referral from your doctor. Ask Barbara for more information.

Click here for upcoming classes: FYI

Prescriptions

Entrust us to fill all your and your family’s prescriptions. We offer the following in giving your prescription our utmost care:

At present, Medicare does not cover insulin or insulin syringes

Diabetes Supplies and Blood Glucose Monitors

A variety of devices are available to help you manage your diabetes. Blood glucose (sugar) monitoring is a vital method of evaluating the effectiveness of the methods being used to control one’s blood glucose. Meals, exercise and medications are just a few things that affect blood sugar. By checking the blood sugar at home, one can determine–along with their health care provider–what changes, if any, should be made in their treatment regimen.

We carry:

We bill Medicaid, Medicare and most major Third Party Insurers direct for diabetes supplies. This means no up-front, out-of-pocket expense and no claim forms to be filled out by you!  

Diabetes Cookbooks

Come browse our selection of diabetes cookbooks to add variety to your diabetes menu!

Educational Books, Literature & Videotapes

We offer a wide array of educational books, literature and videotapes (some of which are free of charge!) to help you learn more about diabetes.

Specially-formulated Supplements for Persons with Diabetes

Visit our vitamin center for a complete line of vitamins, herbals and dietary supplements to help keep you healthy.