A Life-Extending Program

There are two basic types of diabetes – I & II. In type I diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. The sugar, glucose, cannot enter the body’s cells to serve as a source of energy. Insulin injections must be used daily to keep blood glucose levels down and sustain life. Less than 10% of people with diabetes have type I diabetes.

In type II diabetes, the body cannot use insulin that it makes and the blood glucose levels rise. As the disease progresses the pancreas makes less and less insulin. This type of diabetes is treated with oral medication and/or insulin injection.

People who have diabetes use five major tools to keep their diabetes under control:

• Education: The key to diabetes care – It is important to learn what to do and how to control diabetes.
• Meal planning: To help keep blood glucose at a manageable level and maintain weight.
• Exercise: To help prevent cardiovascular complications and, to improve overall diabetes control.
• Insulin and medication: To help glucose go into the body’s cells where it can be used as a source of energy.
• Glucose monitoring: To serve as a guide for meal planning, exercise and the proper use of insulin and oral medication.

The good news about type I diabetes is that intensive treatment aimed at achieving near normal blood sugar levels, reduces risk of long-tern complications. In one study; eye problems were reduced by 76%; kidney disease by 56%; and nerve damage by 60%. Studies are underway to determine benefits of intensive treatment in type II diabetes.

Our Diabetes Care Program is customized to the individual’s specific needs. It is designed to help the person with diabetes feel better and live longer. We work with physicians and other health care professionals to help insure that our Diabetes Care Program participants receive the knowledge and monitoring necessary to achieve near normal blood glucose levels and reduce overall health cost.

• Detailed interview to help determine diabetes-related programs and needs.
• Systematic, individualized diabetes education that is provided over an extended time period. Education covers use of blood glucose monitoring systems.
• Medication therapy evaluation for diabetes and other chronic health problems related to diabetes.
• Therapeutic monitoring to determine the extent to which goals of diabetes care are being achieved.
• Consultation on minor health problems – including selection of appropriate nonprescription medication and products.
• Our pharmacists are certified by the Texas Diabetes Institute, and are also Members of Gladstone Group of Pharmacy Consultants.

These professional services will be
provided for a minimal charge.