Learn how a diabetes management team, such as GlyCare, can help in the prevention of glucose abnormalities by using the consistent application of evidence-based, safe, conservative algorithms in combination with patient-centered care to formulate an appropriate care plan for each patient.

People with diabetes have a much higher risk for fracture. Skeletal deterioration is a complication of diabetes that is under-appreciated. People with diabetes have subtle differences in the microscopic architecture of the cortical bone, an increase in the volume of pores, which can weaken the bone increasing the chance for fracture. These microscopic changes are not picked up on the typical bone density tests; therefore, clinicians and patients need to be aware of the increased risk for fractures in patients with diabetes.

Chances of developing type 2 diabetes are much higher for smokers compared to nonsmokers. The number of cigarettes smoked per day directly correlates to the risk of developing diabetes. The more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your chances. Not only does smoking increase your chances of developing the disease, it can wreak havoc for those who already have type 2 diabetes. It causes trouble with insulin dosing and overall management of the disease. Regardless of what type of diabetes you have, smoking makes diabetes more difficult to control.

While we are anxiously awaiting the release of a COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to make sure you are up to date with all other necessary vaccinations. People with diabetes are at a greater risk of complications from certain vaccine-preventable diseases, just like with COVID-19. Thousands of adults get sick each year from diseases that could have been prevented by a vaccine. Get vaccinated to stay healthy – especially if you have diabetes.

88 million people or 34.5% of the U.S. population has prediabetes. That is a staggering number; however, 80% do not even know they have prediabetes as it often does not produce any symptoms. Prediabetes is diagnosed when blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. Prediabetes comes along with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Without taking appropriate action, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes within five years.

Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes and 30% more prevalent in people with prediabetes. In the United States, over 34 million people have diabetes, approximately 88 million have prediabetes, and over 48 million people have hearing loss. Although the exact relationship between diabetes and hearing loss has not been identified, proper blood glucose management helps conserve many of the body’s functions and hearing is included.

Diabetes raises the glucose levels in the blood which can damage the nerves in the feet and legs causing diabetic peripheral neuropathy. With diabetic peripheral neuropathy, patients can lose feeling in their legs and feet, becoming unaware of any cuts, scrapes, or wounds that may occur. In conjunction with poor circulation, which can slow the healing of any wounds, small cuts can quickly become serious infections. Therefore, it is vitally important that people with diabetes take extra care of their feet and maintain foot health.

More than 2 in 5 Americans with diabetes also have an eye condition called retinopathy. The risk of developing retinopathy increases the longer you have diabetes. Retinopathy can develop in anyone who has diabetes, regardless of the type. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your glucose levels are, the more likely you are to develop damage to your eyes. Controlling blood glucose is a must for preservation of eyesight.

Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can be caused by diabetes. High blood sugar injures nerves throughout your body and interferes with their ability to send signals, and can also weaken the walls of small blood vessels, interrupting the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. Approximately 50% of patients with diabetes will develop some form of neuropathy that worsens with age and duration of diabetes. However, with proper blood glucose management, nerve damage can be prevented or delayed.

Approximately 34% of adult Americans have metabolic syndrome and our risk increases as we age. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that increases the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. The more factors you have, the higher the risk; however, you only need to have 3 factors to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. It’s important to understand how to manage your health, including your blood glucose levels, and take steps to prevent this diagnosis.

Approximately 1 in 4 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. Almost all patients with type 1 diabetes develop functional change in the kidneys within two to five years of diagnosis. Around 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 10-40% of people with type 2 diabetes will eventually develop end stage renal disease requiring treatment life-sustaining treatments.

In recent years, a link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease has emerged. Diabetes is a risk factor for cognitive impairment including vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 50% of people with type 2 diabetes will develop some type of cognitive impairment. Merely having diabetes increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by roughly 65%. With specialized blood glucose control, GlyCare can help with preventative care.

The United States currently has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 (CDC, 2020). People with underlying health conditions such as diabetes are at a higher risk of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19 (NCIRD, 2020). Diabetes management groups, such as GlyCare, can help avoid or lessen such complications by managing the blood sugars of patients with diabetes.