CHAS Health provides diabetes care at medical locations in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, Moscow, ID, and Lewiston, ID, helping patients identify symptoms, explore treatment options, and manage diabetes through team-based care.
November is American Diabetes Month, and at CHAS Health, we offer visits with our care team to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes. A care team consists of providers, clinical pharmacists, dietitians, nurses, and medical assistants.
Diabetes affects more than 40 million Americans, with approximately 1.5 million new diagnoses each year. In total, about 12% of Americans are living with the condition, according to the American Diabetes Association.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or utilize its insulin correctly, and too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, this can cause serious health problems like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney problems.
What are some of the signs or symptoms of diabetes?
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry, even though you are eating
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Pain and/or numbness in hands or feet
- Losing weight without trying
If you are experiencing some of these signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your provider to test your blood sugar.
How to Manage Diabetes
Managing diabetes soon after diagnosis can help prevent serious health problems. Here are some tips to manage diabetes:
- Target 150 minutes per week of heart-healthy activity, such as walking or exercising.
- Eat heart-healthy foods, such as fruits and veggies. Reduce red meat and salt intake.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of type 2 diabetes and can make diabetes-related complications more likely.
Schedule an appointment with your care team. Regular visits with your CHAS Health care team can help you manage diabetes, prevent complications, and stay healthy. Visit chas.org for more information about diabetes care and to schedule an appointment with your care team today.
