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Article Category: Highlights

9 Things You Need to Know About Type 2 Diabetes

Published on March 30, 2023

Last updated 10:39 AM November 09, 2023

Type 2 diabetes often develops in people over 45, so getting screened and getting personalized treatment is essential to live your healthiest life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. Of that group, 90 to 95% have type 2 diabetes. Because this condition often develops in people over 45, getting screened and getting the best treatment to live your healthiest life is essential.

"Diabetes is a chronic and complex condition, and treatments are continuously changing," said Dr. Georgia Forrest, Wellstar primary care physician. "Teaming up with a primary care provider who personalizes your care plan to you and everything that makes you unique should be a top priority."

Whether you currently have type 2 diabetes, a family history of the disease or feel concerned about your overall well-being, you can take proactive steps to manage your health. Here are some key facts to help you better understand the relationship between diabetes and good health.

1. Undiagnosed diabetes costs you money & health
Not knowing you have diabetes carries high medical costs. Undiagnosed diabetes can increase your risk for death and other medical issues.

Diabetes was the eighth leading cause of death in 2021, the most recent data reported by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. And according to the American Diabetes Association, having diabetes doubles your risk for heart disease and stroke—heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. 

2. A diagnosis and personalized treatment can save your life
Knowing you have diabetes and then working to manage your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol effectively can lower your risk of death and help you live a better quality of life.

3. Getting screened for diabetes is easy
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends getting screened with a simple blood test at the age of 35 for people with no symptoms but who are overweight or obese. Even if you have no signs or family history of diabetes, it can lurk in your numbers. Getting screened can help you catch it early and even prevent it altogether.

Consider getting screened for diabetes if you:

  • Are obese or overweight
  • Are physically inactive 
  • Have a parent or full sibling with diabetes
  • Are an African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American or Pacific Islander 
  • Have a history of cardiovascular disease
  • Have hypertension
  • Have blood work that shows an HDL of less than 35 mg/dl or triglycerides greater than 250 mg/dl
  • Have a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • Have other medical conditions that lead to insulin resistance


4. Some people have pre-diabetes
If your screening shows that you have pre-diabetes, your blood sugar levels run higher than average but aren't within the range of type 2 diabetes. However, you have an increased risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Identifying that diabetes is around the corner can help you stop it before it starts.

5. Diabetes treatment plans should be unique
When crafting a plan to address diabetes, the conversation must be about more than the numbers.

"Additional diseases or conditions you may be experiencing in conjunction with your diabetes should also become part of your individualized health plan," Dr. Forrest said.

A complete medical history helps your healthcare provider understand how other medications and treatments may interact with your symptoms and treatments related to type 2 diabetes.

6. Lifestyle modifications can make a big impact on diabetes
Lifestyle modifications may involve slight changes to your weight, the amount of exercise you get, your diet and even your sleeping patterns.

Changes don't have to be major. For instance, your doctor may suggest you lose around 10 pounds and exercise for 30 minutes five days a week.

Our primary care providers work with patients one-on-one but can also refer patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes to Wellstar Diabetes Services to help prevent the onset or manage the effects of diabetes.

7. S.M.A.R.T. diabetes treatment plans
According to Dr. Forrest, your overall plan should include "specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely (S.M.A.R.T.) goals and involve shared decision-making between you and your care provider. There should be plenty of follow-ups to keep the conversation fluid and open to modification."

8. Know your numbers — and acronyms (A1C, CGM, TIR)
Should your screening lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, conversations with your health providers will focus on several acronyms and numbers.

"Know your ABCD’s of diabetes," said Dr. Forrest. "Your A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol and the medications you are taking. Knowing these facts about your health will be key to your success."

• A = Hemoglobin A1C goal is <7 
• B = Blood pressure goal is <130/80 
• C = Cholesterol goal is to keep bad cholesterol <100 
• D = Drugs 

Keeping the A1C low and within an optimal range will help prevent complications like eye damage, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. 

A mainstay for type 2 diabetes management centers around constant glucose level monitoring. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides readings every few minutes via a sensor inserted just below your skin. Monitoring glucose is a common way to help regulate insulin in your body, giving you the readings you need to self-adjust with insulin when appropriate. Average glucose levels should be 100 mg/dl or lower though they can increase if you've just eaten.

New developments introduced the importance of tracking Time in Range (TIR). Along with monitoring your glucose levels, TIR may impact your customized plan for maintenance. According to Dr. Forrest, the goal for TIR is 70% or more.

9. Receive individualized diabetes care at Wellstar
For diabetes management, a personalized, proactive approach can make all the difference. Wellstar primary care providers are here to partner with you to help prevent or manage diabetes, heart disease and many other conditions.

"A true patient-centered approach for managing diabetes is the key to the future of this disease," Dr. Forrest said. "Get screened and speak up when it comes to your care. Opportunities for personalized and individualized medicine should be a part of your treatment plan as you move forward."

Find a primary care provider near you.

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Georgia A Forrest Powder Springs Medical Center - 4250 Brownsville Road Primary Care
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Hey Man, Make Health Your Habit

If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.

Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for points (23,292) and ranks second in team history in steals (1,245). But there are a few, even more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.

Do you know your blood pressure? What about your low-density lipoproteins? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your hemoglobin A1C?

Men are less likely than women to see their healthcare team once a year. Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Tameka Byrd said it’s crucial men stay up to date on preventative care and essential screenings.

“Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse,” Dr. Byrd said. “Your primary care provider will tailor a screening plan depending on your age, health history and other factors so you can proactive with your wellness.”

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better—it ensures we can be there for those we care about too.

“It’s also for loved ones—spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”

Stats all men should know to stay in the game include:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A recommended BMI range is between 18.5 to 25.

Low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.

Blood pressure

Your clinician will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.

Hemoglobin A1C 

This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.

Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA)

Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their clinician, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including Black men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their care team about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their clinician when they’re 40. The Wellstar Prostate Health Program evaluates and treats people with a higher risk for prostate conditions. 

An abnormal PSA result could be an indication of prostate cancer. For men in their 40s and 50s, a PSA score higher than 2.5 nanograms per milliliter is considered abnormal, and men in their 60s should have a PSA score of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter or less.

Along with staying up to date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their clinician.

Your Wellstar primary care team will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. Find a provider near you and book online or locate an Augusta area provider.

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What’s Got You Sick?

Antibiotics save lives by effectively treating bacterial infections, but they aren’t effective against viral infections. At Wellstar Primary Care and Wellstar Urgent Care, our expert clinicians will evaluate your symptoms and tailor a care plan for your condition, including a prescription for the appropriate medication if needed.

Viral infections like colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or COVID-19 may require antiviral medications. There is no antiviral medication to treat norovirus, but it’s recommended that you stay hydrated and use anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medication if needed. Most people with norovirus will feel better in about one to three days.

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

If you’re diagnosed with an infection that has been caused by bacteria, such as strep throat or a urinary tract infection, an antibiotic can clear up the infection and help you feel better. Some bacterial infections can resolve without antibiotics, and your care team will work with you to determine your treatment plan.

While antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections, it’s important that you don’t take them if you don’t need them.

“Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause your body to build up resistance to them, which means they won’t be as effective when you do get an infection,” said Wellstar Urgent Care Physician Dr. William Broyles. 

If you think you may have a bacterial or viral infection, contact your primary care clinician or visit an urgent care location near you so our team can help you start feeling better. Learn more about the types of care available at Wellstar and which may be right for your condition.

 

Chart showing whether antibiotics treat certain illnesses. Cold/runny nose is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Sore throat (except strep) is a virus, no antibiotics needed. COVID-19 is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Flu is a virus, no antibiotics needed. Bronchitis/chest cold in otherwise healthy children and adults is either virus or bacteria, no antibiotics needed. Studies show that in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help patients feel better. Middle ear infection could be virus or bacteria, antibiotics may be needed. Sinus infection could be virus or bacteria, antibiotics may be needed. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Whooping cough is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics needed. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Newsroom

Wellstar Partners with Feeding the Valley to Improve Food Access and Nutrition

Wellstar Center for Health Equity and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center have launched the Food as Medicine program. In partnership with Feeding the Valley Food Bank, this initiative supports Wellstar’s strategy to improve food access in high-need communities.  

Patients will be screened during primary care visits at offices in the LaGrange area for food insecurity. Clinicians will then connect patients who screen positive for food insecurity to a medically tailored meal program offered by Feeding the Valley.

Participants will receive 10 healthy, prepared meals each week for 90 days. They will also gain access to Cooking Matters classes held at Wellstar West Georgia’s Enoch Callaway Cancer Center, where they will learn to shop for and cook healthy meals on a budget. By equipping patients with practical nutrition knowledge, budget-friendly cooking skills and a three-month supply of healthy meals, Wellstar aims to support people in making lasting, health-boosting changes to their diets and overall well-being. While food insecurity is a concern identified by our Community Health Needs Assessment, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses are also a major threat to our community’s well-being.

Wellstar is increasingly working toward healthy food solutions that address both food access and health. Our efforts with Wellstar Mobile Markets, in partnership with Goodr, and our food rescue initiatives, in collaboration with Goodr and Second Helpings Atlanta, show our commitment to increasing food access.

Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity. 

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