Central Peninsula Hospital | Thrive | Fall 2018

4 Central Peninsula Hospital A head -to- toe guide to good D I A B E T E S Diabetic wound care TheWound Care Clinic at Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) provides comprehensive wound care management for patients while in the hospital and on an outpatient basis. Our nurse specialists have advanced training for treating wounds related to diabetes, bone infections, bacterial infections, blood vessel disease, malnutrition and other chronic illnesses that impair skin integrity. TheWound Care Clinic provides advice and treatment for diabetic foot wounds and ulcers, along with nail care and callus management. These services are provided during an appointment based upon a doctor’s referral. To make an appointment with theWound Care Clinic at CPH, call 907-714-4874 . HEAD Diabetes can block blood vessels to part of the brain, which is the main cause of strokes. What you can do: Ask your doctor if you’re at risk for a stroke. You may have to change your diet, exercise, quit smoking (if you smoke), keep blood pressure under control and take medications to lower your risk. HEARING Researchers believe that blood vessels in the inner ear may be damaged by high blood sugar, affecting hearing. Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes as in people with normal blood sugar. What you can do: Keep on top of blood sugar numbers. Ask your doctor about getting a hearing test if you think you have a hearing problem. If your hearing is already damaged, hearing aids may help. SKIN Changes in small blood vessels and infection-fighting mecha- nisms can lead to rough or dark patches on the skin, infections, and itchy skin. What you can do: Good diabetes control is essential. See a doctor quickly if sores or skin problems develop. Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that affects the whole body, from cells and major organs to limbs, nerves and skin. By the time it’s diagnosed, damage may already be underway, even if you don’t feel it. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to help prevent or slow serious diabetes complications. Taking medicine as prescribed is one. Making lifestyle changes is another. A third: keeping your blood sugar under control. If you carefully test your glucose levels as directed by a doctor or nurse, you can track how well your diabetes action plan is working. Here is a head-to-toe look at how diabetes affects the body, along with more tips for combating complications.