Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2019

22 Susan Daugharty-Fowler, M.D., Kootenai Clinic Internal Medicine Does having diabetes mean that I am at higher risk for other medical problems? Diabetes affects 30 million Americans, and only 1 in 4 of these people are aware that they have this disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of newly diagnosed cases. It can be frightening and overwhelming to be told you have diabetes because it is a chronic disease associated with many health risks. Type 2 diabetes can be difficult to diagnose, as blood sugars can be elevated for a long Susan Daugharty-Fowler, M.D. Schedule an appointment today! To make an appointment with Dr. Daugharty-Fowler, call (208) 625-4515 . To learn more about internal medicine, visit KH.org/internal-medicine . Ask the Expert time before symptoms develop. Consequently, the diagnosis is often made when complications are already present. These complications are a result of damage to both large and small blood vessels. This may lead to an association of diabetes with coronary artery disease that can lead to heart attack, cerebrovascular disease that can lead to stroke, and peripheral artery disease that can compromise blood flow to lower extremities. Damage to small blood vessels leads to the complications of diabetes that affect the kidneys, eyes and nerves. In addition, people with diabetes have a higher risk for sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, depression and cognitive impairment. Fortunately, studies have shown that improved blood sugar control can decrease the likelihood of these complications. In these studies, every 1 percent decrease in A1C testing was associated with a decrease in complications. Lifestyle changes—including diet, weight loss and exercise—can help reduce blood sugars, improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe medications like metformin or insulin to lower blood sugar further, and, if needed, medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. All of these efforts will improve outcomes for patients with diabetes.