THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 17, 1996 TAG: 9603150214
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEAN GEDDES, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 116 lines
Two years ago, 58-year-old John Williams lost 10 pounds in one month and began having other health problems. When he decided to check in with his family physician, he learned his blood sugar level was 720 and his doctor sent him at once to Virginia Beach General Hospital where his sugar level was lowered and he was given the diagnosis.
He had diabetes.
Referred to the Diabetes Treatment Center at the hospital headed by endocrinologists Dr. H.C. Harrison Sr. and Dr. H.C. Harrison Jr. and staffed by a team of experts, Williams' education about his illness began. He also became one of more than an estimated 322,000 residents of Virginia to have diabetes, only half of whom have been diagnosed.
Through the efforts of the center, a member of the largest network of specialized diabetes centers in the nation, he found he had access to the most up-to-date information and most effective treatment offered anywhere.
Now Williams leads an active, productive life and has taken control of his diabetes instead of allowing it to take control of him.
In an all-out effort to make the public aware of the disease, the symptoms and treatment, the American Diabetes Association has designated March 26 as an American Diabetes Alert. The specialists at Virginia Beach General and other health facilities in the area are hoping to bring to the public's attention the fact that there are many undiagnosed diabetics out there. On March 26, free screenings will be offered at some local hospitals, physicians' offices and stores. For the nearest location to you, call 481-8888.
The focus of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Virginia Beach General is to help patients control their illness through education and blood-sugar monitoring. Charla Kibler, registered nurse and program assistant at the center, said: ``We teach patients nutritional information so they know what foods to eat and what to avoid and we teach them how to monitor their blood-sugar and take insulin. We use a team approach including registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators and physicians to ensure the patient's entire picture is being looked at.
``And sometimes we're just here to listen to them, and that's a good feeling,'' she added.
Renee Freeman, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator at the center, said: ``When a patient is first diagnosed with diabetes, he or she may feel confused and scared about what has just happened and what is to come. We work with them, develop a bond and a trust which helps them realize they are not alone and they will have the help and support to guide them through the initial confusion. It's a great feeling to watch a patient progress over a period of time. They may not do it overnight, but they will do it. One minute they're scared about whether or not they will eat the wrong thing and the next minute it's like they suddenly get onto it. I really get attached to my patients. I also get excited and proud when they say, `Look, Renee, I've lost 10 pounds.' When we have our support groups or after care classes, it's interesting to see them relate to one another. They form their own relationships and have a sense of humor about their disease that they can enjoy only with each other. It's so rewarding to work with them.''
Some of the programs offered patients at the center include: comprehensive educational programs, screenings, support groups, community lectures, diabetes resources, nutritional counseling and meal planning, medication and blood sugar monitoring, exercise, footcare and insulin pump management as well as information regarding diabetes during pregnancy.
John Williams continues to take advantage of the aftercare program. Speaking of the changes in his lifestyle, he said: ``I think discipline, routine, diet and exercise as well as good general care of my body is all important. I take a more active part in my family's meals and I administer my own insulin and check my sugar level on a glucose meter.'' He is also appreciative of the education he continues to receive through the center.
Acknowledged as one of the nation's most serious diseases, left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart and kidney problems, blindness, amputation and even death. While according to the American Diabetes Association, there is no cure for the disease, with early diagnosis, proper treatment and good control, complications from the illness may be prevented. Research shows that many cases of type II diabetes, the type most often occurring in adults over 45 (about 95 percent of all people with diabetes have this type), can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, eating low fat foods and getting regular exercise.
Programs at the center do require a physician referral, but the center will contact the physician for the referral. The American Diabetes Association lists the types of diabetes as: type I, which usually strikes children and young adults; type II, which most often occurs in mature adults; and gestational diabetes, which develops in some women during pregnancy.
It suggests pregnant women should be tested between the fifth and sixth months of pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control, Diabetes Division, adds that diabetes is found in 3 to 5 percent of all pregnancies and if untreated there is a significant risk to both mother and baby for the development of complications.
``These complications can be prevented through proper diet, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication and close follow-up with the patient's obstetrician and certified diabetes educator,'' said Lisa Hagan, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator who specializes in high-risk pregnancies at the Tidewater Perinatal Center, which is affiliated with Virginia Beach General.
The American Diabetes Alert is aimed at helping the general population by offering free screenings. For information call: the Diabetes Treatment Center at Virginia Beach General at 481-8836; the Tidewater Perinatal Center (for diabetes in pregnancy) at 481-8900; or the American Diabetes Association, Virginia Affiliate at 800-582-8323 or the South Hampton Roads Chapter at 623-4068. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by STEVE EARLEY
Training at the Diabetes Center includes information on how to use a
blood glucose meter, necessary for determining the need for
insulin.
Renee Freeman, left, a certified diabetes educator, works with John
Williams, one of an estimated 322,000 residents of Virginia who have
diabetes, only half of whom have been diagnosed. He said he
appreciates the education he continues to receive through the
center.
by CNB