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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there is one thing you need to keep in mind -- diabetes does not manage you, you manage the diabetes. Simply stated, diabetes is a disease of insulin insufficiency that may result from an inadequate supply of insulin, an inability of the body to use insulin effectively, or a combination of these deficiencies.
The more we have learned about diabetes, the more we know that those affected by it can enjoy long and healthy lives. Tight control of blood glucose is the key and can help prevent all diabetes complications such as eye damage (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), foot problems and heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease.
Your partnership with your doctor will result in care that is most effective for you. In addition, nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, diabetes educators and other professionals are available to provide important help when you need it. But you are an indispensable part of the team. The choices you make and the daily attention you provide, will directly effect the success of your treatment. Medication, self-monitoring, diet, and exercise are important factors in the treatment of diabetes, and you are in charge. By staying with the plan that you and your healthcare team develop, you can reduce the impact of diabetes on your life and prevent problems before they have a chance to occur.
"Diabetes: Choose Well Be Well," Saint Francis' small group diabetes education program, provides important information on various diabetes-related issues you will need to know. If you would like to know more about the Warren Clinic Diabetes Center and its programs, please call 918-491-3939 or visit the Warren Clinic Diabetes Center.
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