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to visit an ophthalmologist, for regular eye check ups. One major complication is vision problems (diabetic retinopathy). A diabetes educator can be very helpful for answering any other questions that you might have about your diabetes. Some Peoples Pharmacists may be diabetes educators, or the pharmacy may have nurses on staff who are. Your family Physician is a valuable asset for helping you manage your diabetes. He can order laboratory tests to monitor your blood sugar and kidney function. One complication of diabetes is kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy). Your Physician can also regularly inspect your feet and test for nerve function. Other complications of diabetes include foot problems and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
.....Supplements can also play a role in managing your diabetes. Perhaps two of the most useful supplements for diabetes are the minerals chromium and vanadium; both can help your body utilize sugar better. Other useful herbals include cinnamon, bitter melon, American ginseng and gymnema. For more information about herbals and diabetes, check out the Peoples Drug Mart website (www.peoplesdrugmart.com). All of the past issues of the Peoples First Magazine can be found there. I wrote an article about herbal products to help with diabetes in November 2001.
.....There are many things people can do to help treat and reduce the complications of diabetes. These include changes in diet, regular exercise and weight loss. Weight loss is very important in the management of diabetes. Talk to your Doctor or Peoples Pharmacist for more information. They might recommend that you visit a nutritionist, who can help facilitate the changes to your diet. This is one of those times that knowledge truly can improve the quality of your life.
The more you know about diabetes the healthier you can be, and stay.
Written By Ian Lloyd, Pharmacist & Chartered Herbalist
Peoples Pharmacy |
WHERE PEOPLE COME FIRST