Diabetes mellitus is classified into two major types. Type I, also called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Type II, also called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Approximately 90% of diabetics are NIDDM. It is important to note that each of these types of diabetes has subgroups contained within each class; i.e., non-obese Type II and diabetes due to mutant insulins. Identifying the subgroups within each class, allows for better control of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in individuals.

Diabetes mellitus and the complications it can trigger makes it a leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. Diabetes, if not effectively and consistently controlled, can cause neuropathies. nephropathies and retinopathies which result in extremity pain and numbness, kidney failure and blindness.

Early detection of elevated blood sugars, in the asymptomatic population can delay, or prevent altogether, the complications of this disease. In fact, complications are directly related to the duration (how long) and severity (how high) of elevated blood sugars.

With IDDM or Type I diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin. People with this type of diabetes must take insulin injections throughout life. With NIDDM or Type II diabetes, the body makes insulin. However, it does not make enough (impaired insulin secretion); or, the body does not utilize the available insulin the way it should (Insulin resistance). As a result, sugar cannot get into body cells to be used for energy. Instead, the sugar stays in the bloodstream causing high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Less commonly, diabetes mellitus can result from secondary causes like pancreatic diseases or pancreatic removal (insulin comes from the pancreas), pheochromocytoma acromegaly, Cushings syndrome or as a complication from a variety of medications.

Diagnosis and Symptoms

Diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is based on a fasting plasma glucose level of 140 or greater on more than one occasion; or, a glucose tolerance test value of 200 after two hours. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, excessive urination, blurred vision, pain and numbness in the legs and feet, and frequent infections. Type I diabetics will always have symptoms usually accompanied by weight loss. However, many individuals with Type Il diabetes, have no symptoms at all.

Treatment

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that requires ongoing medical care, as well as extensive patient and family education, to prevent acute illnesses in the patient and to prevent long term complications associated with this disease.

The mainstay of treatment, for the diabetic patient, is diet and moderate judicious exercise. Type I diabetics require insulin injections throughout their life. For Type II diabetics, requiring more than diet and exercise therapy alone, oral drugs are available for treating hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Diabetics can lead full, healthy productive lives. At Advanced Cardiac Specialists (ACS) diabetes management is effective and constructed to meet the needs of the individual. ACS has a complete diabetic program designed to screen for the presence of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) before symptoms occur. Once diagnosed with diabetes, the staff at ACS will monitor your progress. For every individual, blood sugars, lipid profiles and kidney function are recorded and tracked graphically at regular intervals. This comprehensive information helps to monitor treatment efficacy and avoid progression of disease which may lead to further complications.

Because coronary artery disease is more frequently seen in the diabetic patient, Advanced Cardiac Specialists (ACS) also provides a full range of cardiac testing. This includes EKG, echocardiogram, stress echocardiographic testing, and cardiac catheterization, if necessary, to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease.

In addition to monitoring and testing. education is a key factor in any diabetic program. The nursing staff at ACS are proficient and helpful with the special educational needs of our diabetic patients. Diet, exercise, lifestyle modification, foot and skin care, the importance of regular visits to the eye doctor, medication administration coping with diabetes and support to succeed with individual treatment regimes are only part of a complete diabetic package available at each of our outpatient offices.

Advanced Cardiac Specialists cares about your good health. Diagnosing and treating diabetes mellitus is only one of the ways in which we show you how to more proactively manage your health care.

Who to Contact
If you would like more information about our diabetes program or would like to schedule an appointment please call us at: (480) 926-6990 or 1(800) 73 PULSE, or e-mail us at bobbie.boyd@acs-im.com