George Van Ankum welcomed 30 people to a diabetes information meeting recently at Knox Presbyterian Church here.
Reports were given regarding membership, assistance programs and the annual residential campaign.
Dr. Jeffrey Mahon has a clinical practice in adult endocrinology and diabetes in London. He gave a brief overview of the information available from the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) and the clinical practice guidelines developed by the association.
Diabetes can now be detected through a hemoglobin A1C test to see if complications are imminent, Mahon explained. He outlined treatment factors:
– lifestyle: find ways to reduce sugar and be more active; – blood pressure: reduce salt and reach your target;
– smoking: reduce and you may be successful at quitting;
– cholesterol: keep the “lousy” LDL down;
– aspirin: take daily when coronary heart disease is prevalent;
– Metformin: favourite medication for Type 2;
– screen for signs of complications: eyes, kidneys, feet; and
– A1C: reports sugar level of the blood over three months.
Mahon suggested stress could be added to the list, as emotional and physical stress raises the blood sugar levels.
The doctor noted it is important to recognize each patient is an individual with a need for an individualized care plan.
Questions were answered regarding blood thinners, aspirin, brittle diabetic, liver, blood pressure lows, low blood sugar, blood tests, pumps, insulin reaction times and glucometers.
He cautioned everyone to listen to what he has said, but consult their own doctor for specific treatment changes.
Van Ankum expressed his appreciation to the volunteers who are active in the branch, namely his wife Alice Van Ankum, Nancy Dietrich, Cora Anne Morden, Audrey Morden, Henry and Willa Westendorp, Grace Van Donkersgoed, Theresa Johnston, Dorothy DeJong, Norma Madgett, Gabrielle Hershey, and Bonnie Whitehead.
The information meetings have ended for 2014, but the North Perth – North Wellington CDA Branch information office located at 94B Elora St. South in Harriston will continue to be open Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30pm.
Volunteers may be reached at 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca.
