Basic HTML Version
DIABETES ▸
Sooner
or later, there’s a tough
fact you have to face if you’re living
with diabetes: You are at an increased
risk for developing heart disease and
just as likely to have a heart attack as
a person who’s already had one, says
Steve Fordan, MD, an independently
practicing diabetologist on the medical
staff at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
“Because diabetes is so prevalent and
patients can largely have no symptoms
at all, a lot of people downplay it,” says
Dr. Fordan, who also specializes in
endocrinology and metabolism. “But
you have to take it seriously, because
diabetes can be out of control but the
patient feels fine. He or she doesn’t realize
the danger that’s lurking underneath.”
Why the increased risk?
Dr. Fordan says there are two reasons
that people with diabetes are at greater
risk for heart disease. The first is a high
blood sugar (glucose) level. This can lead
to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries
and damage blood vessels and platelets.
The second reason for the higher risk
of heart disease is the variety of other
health problems often found in people
with diabetes:
w
w
Being overweight
w
w
Unhealthy cholesterol levels
w
w
Not being active
w
w
An unhealthy diet
w
w
High blood pressure.
What can I do?
To help control your diabetes and protect
your heart, Dr. Fordan recommends:
w
w
Taking all medications exactly as they
are prescribed
w
w
Keeping your blood sugar, blood pressure,
and cholesterol levels under control
w
w
Eating a balanced diet that is low in
saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol,
sodium, and added sugar
w
w
Losing weight if you’re overweight
w
w
Making physical activity a priority.
Talk to your doctor about which of these
strategies is most important for you.
“In 2012, we have so many treatment
options that can really be tailored to help
you manage your diabetes,” Dr. Fordan
says. “There are even diabetes medications
that can help you lose weight. Think of
your doctor as a coach. You just have to be
willing to carry out the game plan.”
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The
physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are
independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of
Methodist Health System.
DIABETES
The
heart
of the
matter
Saleemah Fahmi, MD, medical
director of diabetes education
and an independently practicing
diabetologist on the medical
staff at Methodist Charlton
Medical Center, shares her five
favorite things about Methodist
Health System’s Diabetes Self-
Management Program:
1
.
You can bring a buddy.
“Diabetes is not just about
you,” Dr. Fahmi says.
“Because it can run in
families, it’s good for the
whole family to get on
board with a healthy
eating and fitness plan.”
2
.
The instructors know their
stuff.
The four-session
program is led by certified
diabetes educators trained
in the latest diabetes-
management techniques.
3
.
It covers all aspects of
diabetes,
empowering
patients to monitor the
disease and prevent long-
term complications.
4
.
Classes are small.
Each
participant gets personal
attention and assistance.
5
.
It’s all about you!
“This pro-
gram is very individualized,”
Dr. Fahmi says. “For example,
if a person is used to eating
Latin American–type foods,
the educator would talkwith
that person about portioning
within that diet.”
Learn more about the
program at
www.MethodistHealth
System.org/Diabetes
.
5!
Gimme
info
6
Methodist Health System
•
❁
Spring 2012