Jamaica Hospital Medical Center -- Department of Public Affairs -- 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, New York 11418
For Immediate Release
Name: Michael Hinck
Telephone: 718-206-8973
Email: mhinck@jhmc.org
Fight Diabetes Jamaica Hospital Physician Explains How
Oct 28,2009
Contact Information:
<br>Natifia Gaines
<br>(718) 206-6020
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<br>October 28, 2009 (Jamaica, NY)-- Every year, National Diabetes Month offers an opportunity to educate the public on a disease that affects nearly 24 million adults and children across the nation. This year proves no different. To support the American Diabetes Association’s “Stop Diabetes” campaign, Dr. Richard Pinsker, Endocrinologist at Jamaica Hospital, discusses ways to confront the disease, fight it, and most importantly, stop it.
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<br><b>Confront it</b>
<br>“Knowledge is the most significant way to confront diabetes,” explained Dr. Pinsker. “Although the disease is widespread, there are several thousand Americans who don’t honestly know what diabetes is and even more—several million—who are unaware that they may have the disease.”
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<br>Defined by the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is a condition that reduces the body’s ability to produce and properly use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for the day. The most common types of diabetes are: type I and II diabetes, and pre diabetes.
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<br>Type I diabetes occurs when a person’s body doesn’t produce insulin, while Type II diabetes results from insulin resistance, when the body fails to properly use insulin. Individuals with a high blood glucose level, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type II diabetes have pre-diabetes.
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<br><b>Fight it</b>
<br>“Being diagnosed with diabetes can change your life, but it doesn’t have to rule it,” said Dr. Pinsker. “Patients can manage diabetes by creating a meal plan, monitoring their blood sugar levels, staying active and taking medicine.”
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<br>Nutrition is important for patients with diabetes. Reading labels of food products to check carbohydrate counts and sugar content is a recommended common practice. Individuals, who can't control their diabetes through diet and exercise, may be prescribed diabetes medicines. Medication type will depend strongly upon the type of diabetes and any other health condition the individual may have.
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<br><b>Stop it</b>
<br>A recent program, implemented by the American Diabetes Association, concluded that people with pre-diabetes can prevent developing type II diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes. It was reported that diet changes and exercise, with a weight loss of 5-10% of body weight, stopped the progression of diabetes by 58%.
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<br>“Lifestyle choices play a big role in reducing your risk for diabetes and preventing it,” said Dr. Pinsker. “It is also important to know the symptoms of diabetes and discuss them with your physician. Early diagnosis of diabetes is the key to stopping it.”
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<br>Risk factors for diabetes include:<ul>
<br><li>Age; over 45 years old</li>
<br><li>Race or ethnic background; African-Americans, Hispanics are at greater risk</li>
<br><li>Family history of diabetes</li>
<br><li>Low physical activity level</li>
<br><li>High blood pressure</li>
<br><li>High Body Mass Index (BMI)</li>
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<br>Dr. Pinsker also advises individuals to contact their physician if they experience the following symptoms: frequent urination, being very thirsty and hungry, unusual tiredness, unusual weight loss, and blurry vision.
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<br>If you or some you know may be at risk for diabetes or have experienced symptoms of diabetes and would like to speak with a physician at Jamaica Hospital, please call 718-206-7001.
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