Diabetes Management in Nashville, IN

Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires careful monitoring — and often medical support. Diabetes management is the treatment of diabetes at home and in a doctor's office under the care and supervision of a qualified medical professional. This support is critical for the health and well-being of those with type I or type II diabetes. Having a care team that can walk with you through the many lifestyle changes that you will need to embrace and provide education to help you as you learn this new lifestyle will make all the difference. Blue Elk Family Clinic works diligently to help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and small changes can add up to a big, positive impact. If you or a family member have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you may benefit from diabetes management under Dr. Larry Sanchez at Blue Elk Family Clinic in Nashville, IN.

Diabetes can quickly become life-threatening if not treated properly. If you or your family member are experiencing any of the following, please reach out to find a provider to help you get control of your diabetes right away:

• You are not able to effectively manage your diabetes or control blood sugar values at home
• You have diabetic wounds that will not heal
• You have new symptoms of diabetic complications, such as neuropathy or retinopathy
• You have trouble managing your weight with diet and exercise as a diabetic
• You have other health issues that make managing your diabetes very difficult

We offer the following services in diabetes management for our patients:

• Making sure you are getting the medications you need, such as insulin, syringes, diabetic testing supplies, and more
• In-house lab testing
• Providing diabetes education for daily and emergency situations
• Having a strategic plan for what to do when you experience hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
• Helping you recognize the symptoms of diabetic complications
• Teaching you and/or your caregiver how to administer insulin correctly and how to check blood sugar levels and ketones
• Treating emergency situations quickly and with the utmost care

What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?

• Feelings of extreme hunger or thirst
• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Easily losing weight, often without trying
• Numbness and/or tingling in the hands or feet
• Feeling extremely tired
• Very dry skin
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections

What are the major risk factors for diabetes?

The most common risk factors for developing diabetes include genetics, age, being overweight or obese, living a sedentary lifestyle, eating a diet high in refined sugars, gestational diabetes, race/ethnicity, and high blood pressure.

What are ways to manage diabetes at home?

By making minor lifestyle changes, people can dramatically reduce their diabetes risks. Some tips for managing diabetes include

• Eating a healthy diet and avoiding processed sugars, saturated fats, and high salt
• Regularly exercising (even walking for 30 minutes a day is very beneficial)
• Checking blood sugar regularly
• Drinking plenty of water (eight 8-oz. glasses/day)
• Avoid sugary soft drinks
• Storing insulin properly
• Getting regular medical exams
• Reporting health issues early
• Knowing your medications and using them properly

How common is diabetes in the U.S.?

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) data show that roughly 37 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. Surveys of populations further indicated that a higher percentage of African Americans and Hispanic/Latino adults have diabetes.

Do adults with diabetes have other health issues?

Yes, those with diabetes often face co-occurring conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, and diabetic retinopathy.

Blue Elk Family Clinic is here to serve you as you navigate the unique challenges of living with diabetes here in Nashville, IN, as well as our neighboring towns of Columbus, Indianapolis, and Bloomington. If you would like to learn more about our diabetic case management services for yourself or a family member you provide care for, please reach out to Dr. Larry Sanchez at your earliest convenience. As there is no cure for diabetes, it is important to continually monitor your blood counts and your health and to receive regular treatment.