Monday, February 23, 2009

Future with Type 2 Diabetes

Q: Thanks for giving us this opportunity to ask questions!

My husband (age 57) has had Type II diabetes for about 3 years. He does everything right, monitoring all his levels, lotions his feet every day, exercises regularly, goes to the doctor every 6 months. We are improving our diet (although slowly). My question is: If he continues to maintain this schedule, what will life be like in 10 or 20 years with diabetes?

P

A: Dear P,

Your husband is doing everything right: keeping track of his blood sugar levels and his HgbA1c levels. The studies tell us that people who keep their levels in a normal range have fewer complications. For people who have Type 2 diabetes, the big three areas he needs to watch (with the help of his physician and you) are his glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. Eating well and exercising will help with all three.

Remember, complications do not generally come from diabetes, they come from UNCONTROLLED diabetes.

Good luck to you both! Ginny

No comments:

Post a Comment

Who Is Ginny?

Ginny Burns is a local nurse who has worked with people who have diabetes for the last 20 years. She is credited with years of dedication to the American Diabetes Association and Utah Association of Diabetes Educators. She also brings the invaluable experience of having Type 1 diabetes for 39 years which makes her a unique resource to answer your questions.