Diabetes has emerged as a growing epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and it has been declared a public health issue.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all bodily systems. It begins by affecting the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Treatments are heavily focused on managing blood glucose levels to prevent serious, life-threatening complications from the disease.
As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, doctors play an important role in combating this epidemic. Let’s talk more about the diabetes epidemic, the significance of getting diabetes under control, and how diabetes physicians help patients.
What is Driving the Diabetic Epidemic?
The diabetic epidemic is fueled by many factors, most notably, changes in lifestyle and demographics. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and rising obesity rates are significant contributors to the surge in diabetes.
Modernization has led to a shift from active, physical labor to more desk-bound jobs, reducing the overall physical activity levels of Americans. Additionally, the average American’s diet consists of heavily processed foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates, all of which increase the risk of diabetes. Furthermore, the aging population also contributes to the increase in the number of diabetics in the United States, mainly because age is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
The Importance of Getting Diabetes Under Control
Controlling diabetes is important to prevent severe health complications. Uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and vision problems, among other complications. It can also result in poor wound healing, especially in the lower extremities, referred to as “diabetic foot,” increasing the risk of infections and amputation. According to the CDC, the effective management of blood glucose levels can reduce the risk of complications affecting the eyes, nerves, and kidneys by 40 percent.
The economic burden of diabetes is substantial, with significant healthcare costs associated with managing diabetes-related complications. Therefore, preventing diabetes-related complications can have wide-ranging benefits that extend beyond the individual.
What an Urgent Care Diabetes Physician Can Do for Diabetic Patients
Urgent care diabetes physicians are trained in the management of diabetes and related conditions. These doctors play a pivotal role in making a difference in the lives of diabetic patients, some of which include:
Address Blood Glucose Complications
Diabetes patients may experience acute complications such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Urgent care providers can quickly assess the patient’s condition, perform necessary tests, and provide prompt treatment to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Apply Diabetes Wound Care
Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing ulcers and infections, particularly in the feet due to reduced blood flow and nerve damage. A diabetes doctor can apply proper wound care and the appropriate follow-up for the patient.
Provide Patient Education
Diabetes physicians at walk-in clinics can educate patients about their condition, explaining the importance of blood sugar management, regular physical activity, counting carbohydrates, and the difference medication adherence can make. They can teach patients how and when to monitor their blood glucose levels and record and interpret their results.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Doctors providing diabetes management services can use various tests to monitor blood sugar levels and assess the effectiveness of a patient’s blood glucose management plan.
Treat Diabetes-Related Illnesses
Diabetes can increase the risk of other medical conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and respiratory infections. Urgent care providers can diagnose and treat these illnesses promptly and consider the patient’s diabetes management in the treatment plan.
Give Personalized Care
Diabetes doctors understand that each patient’s diabetes journey is unique. They develop individualized care plans that each patient can apply himself or herself and make life easier.
Collaborative Care
A diabetes physician at an urgent care clinic communicates with the patient’s primary care doctor and can make referrals to other specialists, such as dietitians and podiatrists, to provide comprehensive care for the patient.
Diabetes Management Services in Rochester, NY
The urgent care providers at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center provide an important service to patients with diabetes. We are experienced in chronic disease management for diabetes, address acute non-life-threatening complications, and communicate with the patient’s primary care provider.
We are a walk-in clinic you can go to for urgent medical care for diabetes-related conditions and much more. For any questions, call our office today at (585) 207-0088. We are located at 2968 Chili Avenue, and there is no need to make an appointment!
