Dealing with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

By Amanda Godsey, FNP-C

Let's acknowledge how difficult it can be as health care providers to explain diabetes to a patient and for the patient to comprehend all the information they need to know regarding diabetes once diagnosed in just one office visit.

Now, I understand we can bring them back to the office for follow-up visits as much as possible and refer them to a nutritionist to help educate them better about their diet. We have all done this in providing patient care for our diabetic patients. But what we really need to do is educate people about how to prevent this dreaded disease and all the problems it brings with it.

First, what is diabetes? There are two types of diabetes that we commonly diagnose - Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 we have no control over. It involves the body's inability to produce insulin. Patients with type 1 will require insulin injections or an insulin pump throughout their lifetime. Type 1 is typically diagnosed early in life.

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and when diagnosed, we can have control over it in many cases. Type 2 can be managed by diet, exercise and may, or may not require insulin. In many cases oral medications are required if the condition cannot be controlled by diet and lifestyle changes alone.

Read more: Dealing with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Volunteer Opportunities at NWMC

If you are a community-minded individual who has some time to give, Northwest Medical Center would like to hear from you. We have volunteer opportunities available at the hospital in several different areas of interest.

Some of the needs are listed below, but you may have skills that we don't have listed so don't limit yourself to this list:

• Greeting customers in the gift shop
• Gardening/landscaping
• Receptionist/clerical
• Handyman
• Teen volunteers in nursing

Volunteering at the hospital is a great way to give back to your community, meet some nice people who come and go at the hospital and see firsthand how important our hospital is to our community. The schedule can be flexible so you can choose the hours you give. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the hospital at 205-487-7000 and give your name, contact information and area of interest to the receptionist and someone will get in touch with you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Breast Cancer in Young Women

“Breast cancer doesn’t just happen to someone that’s 75 years old,” says breast cancer survivor Charity. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, she made a series of decisions to be proactive about her health.

“You need to take your health seriously. Talk to your doctor. There isn’t just one face to breast cancer.”

Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. Knowing your risk of breast cancer can empower you to take action to manage it.