Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Recognition, realization, understanding, familiarity, mindfulness, consciousness ...
What do all of these words have in common? All are synonyms for awareness. And, no matter which word you choose, you should be on the alert for diabetes, with the best way to fight it being ... awareness.
Today is Diabetes Awareness Alert, a one-day wake-up call sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. This day takes place annually on the fourth Tuesday of March.
Diabetes educator Jan Martin, R.N., BSN, of Warsaw Pill Box, said that people should look at many aspects of their lives, including family history, to learn whether they should be checked for diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes:
• Type I diabetes is insulin dependent and requires insulin injections to control. Warning signs include frequent urination, abnormal thirst, unusual hunger, weight loss, irritability, weakness and nausea.
• Type II diabetes - the most common type - can often be controlled through diet, exercise and, sometimes, oral medications. Some Type II diabetics are "insulin resistant" and may not produce enough insulin or their body may not recognize the insulin properly, so they must take a small amount of insulin to help control it, Martin said
Type II warnings include excess weight gain, drowsiness, blurred vision, tingling in hands or feet, skin infections, slow healing of cuts, and itching.
Diabetes affects more than 16 million Americans - nearly 6 percent of the U.S. population - though only about half that many are aware that they are afflicted.
Diabetes sufferers should also be aware of Senate Enrolled Act 184.
This recently passed legislation changes who and what is covered by insurance when it comes to diabetes.
This coverage takes effect when insurance policies are renewed in 1998, and anyone with diabetes (insulin or non-insulin using), as well as anyone with elevated blood-sugar levels resulting from pregnancy or other medical conditions, is included if he or she is covered by insurance, Medicaid or the state health plan.
Medically necessary treatment for diabetes, including supplies, such as blood-glucose monitors, blood-glucose test strips, insulin, syringes, insulin pumps and oral medications, are eligible for coverage.
Before this state legislation was approved, Martin said, most insurance companies only paid for testing meters if the patient was insulin dependent. Now, insurance companies must cover supplies for all types of diabetics.
"Legislators recognized the importance and the effectiveness on health care dollars," Martin said, adding that the increased coverage will, hopefully, lead to better education and people getting needed supplies.
People who are self-insured fall under federal law vs. state law and do not qualify under the state changes, Martin said, although federal laws may also soon change. "It's becoming a trend across the nation," she said. Also, the changes do not apply to Medicare coverage, but beginning July 1, Medicare will reimburse the cost of blood-glucose monitoring, blood-glucose test strips and diabetes self-management training for any person with diabetes.
There are other benefits to qualified individuals. Anyone with insurance should verify coverage with his or her employer.
As part of the emphasis on awareness, Warsaw Pill Box is conducting special events today through Friday, including testing, consultations with the pharmacist and diabetes educator, meter cleaning and calibration, strip discounts and registrations for free diabetes products.
Martin said that, as an educator, she is glad to report that patients have three locations in Warsaw to learn about diabetes: Kosciusko Community Hospital, Pill Box and Brennan Pharmacy. Information can also be obtained by calling the ADA at 800-DIABETES.
"If everybody's aware, we can do a lot to educate them," Martin said.
She also stressed that diabetics look beyond the blood-sugar reading numbers - "It's the big picture that matters," she said. Anyone suffering from diabetes should visit their physician regularly to maintain control of the disease.
ADA information shows that although great progress has been made to help individuals with diabetes, there is still a lot to do. The biggest asset in fighting diabetes will remain ... awareness.
