Staying on Top of Your Diabetes


BikingManaging diabetes? No two individuals are the same, but staying informed will help you and your doctor develop a management plan for you. If you're currently under a doctor's care for diabetes, there are important developments you should know about. Here's the latest.

 

Long-Acting and Short-Acting Insulin
One topic your doctor may have brought up to you is long-acting insulin. You may already be on it—or you may be worried that your numbers just aren't stable enough day to day for an “average” amount of insulin. Remember that not only your food intake but also such factors as your activity level for the day can affect your reading.

 

Many diabetics find the daily medication much easier on their lifestyle, affording them more time to do the things they want to do, but it is not for everyone. If you haven't asked your doctor whether long-acting insulin is right for you, bring it up at your next appointment, or make one. Most doctors are willing to take appointments to discuss options even if no actual physical is involved.

 

Your Medication: Love It or Leave It?
Not all diabetes drugs are created equal—and not all stand the test of time when it comes to safety and/or efficacy. Be aware of which drugs are being inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or which have received complaints.

 

For example, in November 2009—ironically, during National Diabetes Month—the FDA issued a warning that Byetta (exenatide), a Type II diabetes medication, may be implicated in kidney function issues. Seventy-eight complaints have been received along these lines, according to the FDA. (Read the whole story here.) (LINK: http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/11/03/fda-issues-warning-for-diabetes-drug.html)

 

The same goes for drugs not specific to diabetes, but which diabetics may be taking. Also in November, a New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) study showed that diabetic patients who concurrently took a certain class of drugs for anemia (story: http://www.anemia.org/resources/news/content.php?contentid=000466&sectionid=00016) may have an increased risk of stroke in the future.

 

Though such warnings are no cause for panic, they are reason to call your doctor immediately to reassess your options, health care experts advise. (Remember: never stop taking any diabetes medication without your doctor's approval.)

 

Does Your Doctor Pass the Test?
The science of diabetes management (and the understanding of the condition itself) changes so quickly that you'll need a doctor who is not only up on the latest, but actively researches what may be coming up next, experts say. Add to that the fact that your condition may change not only over time but hour to hour during the day and you can see why a doctor who listens and advises rather than nodding at your numbers and scooting you through the door is paramount.

 

Another problem both Type I and II diabetics encounter is the physician who brushes off most complaints as “part of the disease”. Yes, diabetes comes with its own set of symptoms—even when it's being managed and monitored. But what if your weight loss or gain is due to a thyroid condition? Or your blurred vision indicates a need for new eye wear, or a condition like glaucoma?

 

Make sure your doctor “passes the test” by asking yourself these questions:

  • Does my doctor go out of his/her way to ask me whether I have any questions, and does s/he take the time to answer each one?
  • Does my doctor give me general checkups, covering all my major systems, rather than simply focusing on blood glucose numbers and obvious symptoms?
  • Does my doctor advise me of new drugs before I have to ask him/her? Does he/she let me know which management methods are more accepted by insurance or are less expensive, or have fewer side effects than the medication I'm currently taking?
  • Does my doctor ask you questions about my daily life (such as career and family), my stress level and my general health beyond diabetes

 

Remember, if you're uncomfortable with your doctor for any reason, it's your prerogative to check with your insurance company or clinic and shop around for a physician who's more in sync with you and your needs.

 

The Future of Diabetes Management
As treatment advances continue, so too does the hope that some day diabetes may be easily managed—or even eradicated altogether.

 

Genetic studies (LINK: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102172257.htm) and other research is opening new possibilities for people living with diabetes, and helping them to lead lives as happy, healthy and unhindered as possible.

 

Look below for some developing news and informative sites that will help you stay on top of what's new...and what may, in the future, prove better for you than ever.

 

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