Central Peninsula Hospital | Thrive | Fall 2018

PULSE Fall 2018 5 HEART Diabetes and high cholesterol often go hand in hand. As cholesterol builds up, blood vessels narrow, blood doesn’t flow well, and circulation to the heart and body is affected. This can cause chest pain and a heart attack. What you can do: Have a cholesterol test and know your numbers for total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides (another type of blood fat). Work with your doctor to reach your goal levels. EYES Diabetes can damage small blood vessels that nourish the eyes, starting a chain reaction that can lead to retina injury, cataracts, glaucoma and vision loss. What you can do: Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. TEETH High blood glucose levels can encourage bacteria to grow in the mouth, causing an infection of the gums and bones. Sometimes teeth fall out or need to be pulled. Dry mouth, which can cause cavities, is also common in people with diabetes. What you can do: Control your blood sugar, brush and floss regu- larly, get a dental checkup every six months, and don’t smoke. KIDNEYS High blood sugar overworks the kidneys, which causes these filters to wear out and leak. Waste products can build up in the body. If kidneys fail, a transplant or dialysis is the only solution. What you can do: Kidney problems can be prevented, stopped or slowed by maintaining careful blood sugar and blood pres- sure control, taking medicine, and making changes to your diet. Tests for kidney function help spot problems early, when they are most treatable. FEET Because of nerve damage caused by diabetes, feet may tingle; hurt; feel numb; or lose their ability to feel pain, hot or cold. Circulation is compromised, and small sores can grow into seri- ous infections. Some people lose a foot or a leg. What you can do: Inspect your feet every day for cuts and sores. Keep your feet clean and dry, use a light cream to keep them soft, and wear well-fitting shoes. To avoid sores and infection, let your doctor deal with calluses and corns. Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institutes of Health health Central Peninsula Hospital’s Diabetes Care Center offers education and support groups for patients with diabetes. For more information, contact Ruth Clare, Diabetes Educator, at 907-714-4726 . Diabetes risk factors Anyone can get type 2 diabetes. However, the risk is greater than normal if you: ●   ● Are 40 years or older. ●   ● Are overweight. ●   ● Have a family history of diabetes. ●   ● Had diabetes during pregnancy. ●   ● Had a baby weighing over 9 pounds at birth. ●   ● Are of Native American, Latino or African American heritage.