As defined by the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.  Although the cause of Diabetes is still unknown it affects an alarming 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S.  Only 17.9 million people have been properly diagnosed with Diabetes and another 5.7 million are unaware they have this disease.

If you think you have some of the symptoms of Diabetes, please contact your doctor immediately. There are four types of Diabetes:

1. Type I Diabetes – This results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them. It is estimated that 5-10% of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 1 Diabetes.
   
   
2. Type 2 Diabetes – Type 2 results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 Diabetes.
   
   
3. Gestational Diabetes – Gestational Diabetes is a type that some women struggle with during pregnancy.  Immediately after pregnancy, 5% to 10% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes, usually, type 2
   
   
4. Pre-Diabetes - Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes, in addition to the 23.6 million with diabetes.

Professional Pharmacy…providing Care, Compassion and Commitment

No matter what type of Diabetes you have or what you doctor’s individual medical plan is for you, Professional Pharmacy is here to answer your questions, calm your fears and assist with your medication and other pharmacy needs.  From diabetic monitoring kits to nutritional supplements, insulin to other diabetic medications, let our staff teach you everything you’ll need to know to get you on track.

Diet and exercise will become the most important part of controlling your diabetes.  Knowing what to eat can be very confusing but your doctor can help you with suggestions of a recommended daily meal plan.  Our staff at Professional Pharmacy can also talk to you about your nutritional needs, exercise and recommend some books and articles to assist you during this transition.