Currently in the United States, 38 million people are living with the chronic disease diabetes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 Americans don’t know they have it. Controlled diabetes can already put people at risk for serious health complications, but uncontrolled diabetics are at an even higher risk. 

The Impact goes from Head-to-Toe

Even if you are aware of your diabetes, it is still possible for it to be uncontrolled due to treatment being ineffective or if you are not compliant with your treatment. Untreated diabetes can seriously affect major organs such as your kidneys, skin, eyes, and heart and cause damage to the nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. It also affects your teeth by increasing your risk of oral infections and gum disease. 

Diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from a stroke, twice as likely to lose their hearing than people who are not diabetic, and is the leading cause of blindness in adults. The nerve damage caused by diabetes can cause reduced circulation in your limbs which may lead to amputation. People living with diabetes risk developing additional life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

“Diabetes is a disease that can cause serious damage to parts of the body. There is no cure for diabetes. Once you have it, you must keep it in check, or it will lead to major complications. The good news is complications are not inevitable as long as you work with your doctor by taking the necessary medications and making lifestyle modifications. The bad news is that diabetes cases continue to rise here in the United States unless people with this condition seek medical help. As an endocrinologist, I educate my patients on diabetes and their specific type while helping them manage their condition, so they can live the healthiest life possible.”

 

Raffaele Ruggiero, MD
Endocrinologist, Trinity Medical Endocrinology

Help is Here 

Uncontrolled diabetes can greatly reduce someone’s quality of life and cause life-threatening complications. Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders, and our experienced team takes an integrated multidisciplinary approach to ensure each patient receives comprehensive diabetes care.  

The endocrinology team at Catholic Health provides diabetic evaluation, management, and education from the expertise of specialists such as endocrinologists, dieticians, certified diabetes educators, nephrologists, gynecologists, general surgeons, podiatrists, and many more. Our team works closely together to create individualized treatment plans and specialize in treating various types of diabetes. 

Patient-centric care defines everything we do, and we always involve our patients in any decision making and keep them informed at every step of their care. Don’t take a risk to your health. Schedule an appointment with our endocrinologists and avoid the possibility of permanent, irreversible damage from diabetes. 

 

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