If you have type 2 diabetes, like roughly 32 million Americans, it’s important to do what you can to manage the condition. Keeping your blood glucose (blood sugar) in an optimal range will help you stay healthy. Here are some ways you can keep your blood sugar under control:
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Eat a healthy diet
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Fill your prescriptions promptly
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Get regular exercise
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See your physician and diabetes team regularly
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Take your medication as directed
We know this is a lengthy to-do list, but your health is worth it. Well-controlled blood sugar can reduce your risk of serious diabetes complications, such as heart disease, heart failure and kidney disease, and help you feel your best.
Managing type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our experienced endocrinology and diabetes teams will help you monitor your blood sugar and make living with diabetes easier. We’re here to guide you on your path to whole-person health.
New Safety Measures at Your Appointments
To manage your type 2 diabetes, you’ll need to see your physician and other members of your diabetes care team regularly. If you’re overdue for a visit, now is a great time to make an appointment. We’ve made some important changes at our facilities to keep you safe.
When you visit an AdventHealth facility, whether it’s for an appointment with your primary care physician, endocrinologist or other specialists, here’s what you can expect.
Temperature Checks at All Facility Entrances
All patients and visitors will have their temperature taken before they enter an AdventHealth facility. That’s because most people who are sick with coronavirus develop a fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Separate Care Areas for People Who Are Sick
We have set up designated care areas for patients who have concerning symptoms. This practice, called patient cohorting, ensures that you can get care safely and anyone who’s sick can receive care in a separate area.
Everyone Wears a Face Mask
In keeping with the latest guidelines from the CDC, all AdventHealth team members, visitors and patients must wear a face mask. If you don’t have a mask, we will provide you with one before you enter the facility. You will see that our diabetes health care providers and staff will also be wearing safety equipment as well.
Social Distancing Measures
We redesigned our diabetes care and other waiting rooms to help you practice social distancing. When you check in, you may notice barriers at registration desks. You’ll likely notice seat covers that say, “Thank you for leaving this seat empty. We’re social distancing to keep you safe.” Look for floor markers that will help you stand 6 feet away apart from others.
At some locations, you may be able to check in and wait in your vehicle until it’s time to come into the building.
Staying in Touch With Your Diabetes Care Team
To help you manage your type 2 diabetes between office appointments, we’re continuing to offer the option of a telehealth appointment if you don’t need to come in for tests or procedures. You can easily talk with your physician virtually about any care you need. You may even be able to have a video visit with your physician.
During a virtual doctor visit, your physician can offer guidance on your condition, symptoms and tests you may need to monitor your condition, such as glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), which estimates your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Regular HbA1C testing can help your care team understand if your diabetes is well-controlled.
In addition to in-office appointments and virtual doctor visits, our providers may offer online appointment scheduling, extended hours and same-day appointments to meet your busy schedule.
Keeping an Eye on Your Foot Health
Your physician will keep you informed about appointments with specialists for services you may need, such as a complete foot exam once a year. Meanwhile, watch for any blisters, cuts, bruises, cracked and peeling skin, redness, and swelling, be sure to keep your feet clean and dry and wear shoes and socks to protect your feet from injury.
If you develop any problems, make an appointment to see your physician right away. Small sores can quickly turn into a major infection.
Eye Exams Are Part of Your Diabetes Care
While you’re keeping tabs on your blood sugar and meeting with your diabetes care team regularly, remember to get an eye exam once a year, or as often as your physician recommends, by making an appointment with an eye care specialist.
Diabetes can cause tiny blood vessels in the retina — the delicate, light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye — to leak, resulting in blurry vision. In later stages, the condition, known as diabetic retinopathy, can cause vision loss.
Regular eye exams are vital for preserving your vision. An eye exam can diagnose diabetic retinopathy at the earliest possible stage and prevent it from getting worse. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with medication or laser therapy.
Don’t Delay Your Diabetes Care Any Longer
Whether it’s time for a checkup or you’re looking for nutrition counseling as part of your diabetes management plan, we look forward to seeing you soon. We’re here to treat any diabetic complications you face. Nutritional meal counseling, free blood sugar management classes and diabetes support groups are also offered to guide you on the path to better health. Learn more information on our diabetes care services here.
