November is American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), about 521,294 people in Louisiana have diabetes, 13.9% of the adult population. Many people who have diabetes surprisingly don’t know that they have the disease. Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry – even though you are eating
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss – even though you are eating more (Type 1 diabetes)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2 diabetes)

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, but family history and environmental factors increase risk. Prediabetes is when blood sugar level is higher than normal, and it can lead to Type 2 diabetes. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. Pregnant women can develop high blood sugar levels known as gestational diabetes without any symptoms. Other risk factors for developing diabetes are based on abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, inactivity, high blood pressure, race and weight.

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, healthy lifestyle choices that help treat prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can also aid in prevention. Individuals at risk for diabetes can delay the onset of the disease by adopting a diabetes management plan, which is essential for those who already have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. A great start to your journey in defeating diabetes is to keep track of what you eat and check your blood sugar about one to one and a half hours after eating. Choose healthy food and beverage options and be physically active to maintain a proper body weight.

The ADA recommends that it is essential to stay alert for symptoms of new skin infections and other skin disorders. Routine checkups with your doctor, an annual comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist and visiting a foot doctor to check for foot problems are recommended. Being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day and giving up smoking can lower your risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes that is not managed properly can result in serious complications such as amputation, blindness, nerve damage, heart disease, end-stage kidney disease, stroke – and death.

Carmichael’s Cashway Retail Pharmacy in Crowley, Louisiana can help you control your diabetes. Fill your prescriptions with us, and our Pharmacists will work with you and your prescribing doctor. Pharmacists in our Compounding Pharmacy can also compound custom- prescribed medications to meet your individual needs. We have several convenient ways for you to refill your prescriptions, too. We also offer a large selection of diabetic products and supplies to meet your needs. Contact a Carmichael’s representative for more information or visit our Crowley location.