You At Your Best

6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST OCTOBER - DIABETES | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 The role insulin plays in the body METRO CREATIVE SERVICES Insulin plays a key role in metabolic functions in the body. People with diabetes have an intimate knowledge of insulin, particularly if they do not produce enough naturally. However, the rest of the public may be less knowledgeable about the role of insulin and its impact on overall health. Insulin is produced in the pancreas of the human body. Its most important function is the way it interacts with glucose (blood sugar) to allow the cells of the body to use that glucose as energy. Insulin can be viewed as a type of key that unlocks the cells and enables glucose to enter. The pancreas senses when there is a spike in glucose in the bloodstream and reacts by producing insulin. According to the Hormone Health Network, insulin also works to ensure the liver stores excess glucose so that it is not actively in the blood. Stored glucose is called glycogen. This glycogen can be converted into fat when it is needed. Insulin also affects other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of protein or fat. If insulin is not being produced in the right amounts, the result is high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes mellitus. Complications of high blood sugar include damage to the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, and the extremities. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Supplementation with insulin will be necessary to avoid drastic changes in blood glucose levels. When a person has type 2 diabetes, cells fail to respond to insulin properly. This is referred to as insulin resistance. As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. Typically with this type of diabetes, excessive body weight and not enough exercise are the culprits in insulin resistance. Eating a healthier diet and becoming more physically active can help reverse the condition. Too little glucose in the blood (hypoglycemia) can make a person feel irritable, tired or confused. Low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness. That is why it is crucial that blood sugar concentrations remain relatively stable. Without insulin, the body could not effectively make use of the energy obtained through eating and drinking. Insulin helps unlock cells so that glucose can be used to its full potential. Playing it smart with year-end healthcare With 2018 fast-approaching, scheduling necessary appointments, tests and surgeries now makes sense SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE When New Year's Day 2018, rolls around in a few short months, the slate will be wiped clean and everyone will gain a fresh start to another new year. The slate that's wiped clean also will include the tally of healthcare expenses you've incurred through 2017 which count toward your deductible. "Now's the time to play it smart and check to see if you've met your deductible," says Sharif Omar, Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Health. "Health plans typically begin paying for the majority—if not all—of your healthcare expenses once you've met that threshold. So if you have met your deductible or are close to reaching it, this is the ideal time to maximize your plan benefits and schedule appropriate appointments, testing and procedures. You may save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on what healthcare you need, if it's obtained before the end of the year." Additionally, individuals who have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) need to check their balance. The Internal Revenue Service requires these accounts, which hold pre-tax dollars set aside to pay for healthcare-related expenses, be depleted by the end of the year or the money is forfeited. This adds another incentive to schedule services now: ensure those hard-earned dollars are spent, not lost. "Health insurance plans reward individuals who plan and manage their health care, it's that simple," says Omar. "Taking 15 minutes to set-up appointments, now, could save you a significant amount of money. The key is to obtain all the health services you need before December 31, because with the New Year comes a new deductible, and any balance in an FSA account is lost." Omar stresses it's crucial to be prompt with your scheduling to ensure the test, check-up or procedure can be done before the end of the year. "Getting everything squared-away by early December will ensure the services you receive are considered part of your 2017 coverage and funds," he adds. To schedule an appointment with a Northwest doctor, visit NW-Physicians.com or call 800- 734-2024.

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