You At Your Best

Diabetes diagnoses are on the rise, and the numbers are staggering. Almost half of Americans have either type 2 diabetes, or its precursor condition, prediabetes. In the last decade here in Arkansas, diabetes diagnoses have increased by 40%. In this issue of You at Your Best we examine ways to "Beat the Betes" and reduce your risk in the face of this deadly, yet often preventable disease. 6 Q&A A local expert discusses the growing epidemic of diabetes 7 Diabetes education An important part of care 4 When wounds won't heal 5 Diabetes diagnosis connected to hearing loss Potential complications of diabetes 6 Healthy tips for enjoying holiday feasts 8 Fellowship trained in reproductive endocrinology and Infertility (reI): What does that mean for you? eating healthy on a budget 9 What you eat affects diabetes Washington regional endocrinology Clinic November 2020 | beAtINg tHe betes Issue features contents President Brent A. Powers Sales Manager Don Jones Advertising Operations Manager Sandy Robinson Creative Services Manager Brian Huntley Content Marketing Manager Karen Rice by KAreN rICe you At your best Diabetes affects hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and among developed nations, the United States has the highest rate of diabetes—nearly two-thirds the number of all the other 37 developed nations combined. Here in Arkansas, diabetes rates are 50% higher than the national average. Nearly 400,000 Arkansans are diabetic—nearly 15% of the adult population—but about 75,000 may not even know they have diabetes, or aren't being treated for it. Plus, almost 800,000 have prediabetes, and are at risk for developing the disease. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death among all Arkansans, and it accounts for one out of every seven dollars we spend on healthcare in the state. Learn the warning signs The symptoms of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease, often develop slowly and can be so mild that people do not notice them. However, people who notice any of the following symptoms should discuss them with their physicians immediately: • increased thirst and urination, • increased hunger, • fatigue, • blurred vision, • numbness or tingling in the feet or hands, • sores that do not heal, and • unexplained weight loss. Parents who notice their children exhibiting any of the above- mentioned symptoms should ask their youngsters if they are feeling unusual in any other ways, as kids may not think to report symptoms to their moms and dads. Be proactive Check out these local resources for more information. American Diabetes Association, Northwest Arkansas chapter 1732 Moberly Ln., Suite B, Bentonville. 479-464-4121 www.diabetes.org Lions Club Diabetes Awareness and Service Center 614 East Emma, Suite 410, Springdale 479-756-8758 Lions Clubs International is a great resource local resource for diabetes screening and education. Their newest service is diabetic eye screening. They also provide help to those who cannot afford their diabetes medications or supplies. The Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 4241 Gabel Drive, Suite 3B, Fayetteville 479-443-2692 or www.jdrf.org The Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ( JDRF) offers information and support for children and young adults suffering from type 1 diabetes and their families. The growing threat of diabetes 2 | you At your best | NWADg.Com/youAtyourbest November - beAtINg tHe betes | suNDAy, oCtober 25, 2020

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