We hosted Dr. Michael Shepherd at our ‘Meet the Doctor’ program at the Highlands Senior Center yesterday.  Dr. Shepherd is with St. Helena Hospital Clearlake and he talked to the 49 people in attendance about Diabetes.  He had an interesting prospective on this disease.  He suggested we should not be focusing on the disease itself but what happens if you have the disease.

Did you know: (the following information is taken from the American Diabetes Association web site)

Adults with the disease have heart disease death rates 2 to 4 times higher than adults without.

The risks of a stroke are 2 to 4 times higher with the disease.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

60 to 70% of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of nerve system damage (Neuropathy).

More than 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes.

What can we do?

Eat better

Physical activity

Stop smoking

Have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly if you are in the high risk groups.  People with family history, overweight, low HDL or high triglycerides and high blood pressure are subject to the disease.

What happens if you get diabetes?

Check your insulin regularly

Eat better

Get physical activity

Stop smoking

Have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly

Senior Helpers suggests that you talk with your primary care physician about diabetes and your risk factors.  If you would like to learn more, click on this link to the American Diabetes Association.  If you would like to contact Dr. Shepherd, click on this link to St. Helena Hospital.