Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1042082
By KareN rice NWa Democrat-Gazette Q: How did this happen? How do you think diabetes reached epidemic proportions? A: Most cases of diabetes are type 2 diabetes, which is strongly linked to our weight, diet, and family history. I think we are seeing a diabetes epidemic because of the drastic increase in our calorie and carbohydrate consumption over the past few decades. We have greater access to high calorie/carbohydrate foods and larger portion sizes now. Q: What is the impact of the disease that you see among your patients? A: Diabetes is a very time consuming disease. It requires a lot of critical thinking by the patient to manage it well. Diabetes is also a very costly disease including medications, blood sugar testing supplies, and doctor visits. This can be an emotional, financial, and physical drain on the patient. Having a good support system including family, friends, and healthcare providers can be extremely helpful in managing the disease successfully. Q: Can you explain the importance of diet and exercise in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes? A: I have had multiple patients with type 2 diabetes who have been able to reverse their diabetes by really changing their eating habits and losing weight. Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates worsen blood sugars and insulin resistance. We especially see this when people drink sodas, juice, or sweet tea. Other "hidden" foods that can really raise the blood sugar include cereals, fruit, popcorn, pretzels, and crackers. Q: What is the most important thing people can do to remain healthy and free of diabetes or prediabetes? A: The fundamental lifestyle habits to prevent diabetes include maintaining a normal weight, being physically active and/or getting exercise, and limiting sugar and carbohydrate intake. Q: What do you recommend as good sources of information and support about the disease? A: The American Diabetes Association and Joslin Diabetes both have websites with good information for patients on nutrition and managing diabetes. Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette Lauren B. Hawkins, M.D. and C. Rachel Kilpatrick, M.D. of Washington Regional Endocrinology Clinic specialize in disorders of the endocrine glands, including diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, pituitary disease and metabolic bone disease. Dr. Hawkins earned a medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston- Salem, N.C., where she also completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. Board certified in internal medicine and internal medicine-endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, Dr. Hawkins is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Kilpatrick, a native of Fayetteville, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., where she also completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. A member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society, Dr. Kilpatrick is board certified in internal medicine and internal medicine-endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. In addition, she is a fellow of the American College of Endocrinologists. Washington Regional Endocrinology Clinic is located at the William L. Bradley Medical Plaza, 3 E. Appleby Road, Suite 202, in Fayetteville. Appointments are available by calling (479) 404-1140. The clinic offers an Outpatient Diabetes Self- Management Education Program designed for people of all ages with type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, prediabetes, metabolic syndrome or reactive hypoglycemia. The program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association. The program offers a diabetes support group that meets several times a year to provide information on a variety of topics that affect people with diabetes. More information about the support group is available by calling 479-404-1160. Visit wregional.com to learn more. Washington Regional Endocrinology Clinic Offers Diabetes Care and Education Hawkins Kilpatrick Risks and consequences A discussion about diabetes with Dr. Lauren B. Hawkins, an endocrinologist at Washington Regional Endocrinology Clinic SATURdAY, OcTOBER 27, 2018 | nOvEmBER - diABETES nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 17