4 There’s a lot to consider when it comes to managing diabetes,�frommaking the right lifestyle choices to scheduling your tests. Diabetes care provider Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP, who sees patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic, shares the “ABCs of diabetes” below to help you remember ways to keep your disease under control and live a full, healthy life. NEED A CONSULT? Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP, sees patients in the GCMH Specialty Clinic on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Call 319-222-2750 to schedule an appointment today! Visiting Specialists Audiology Seema Arab Wilson, AuD Cardiology and Echocardiogram Kalyana Sundaram, MD Kari Haislet, DNP Micaela Rahm, ARNP Dermatology Angela Buttjer, PA-C Ear, Nose, & Throat/Skin Cancer David J. Congdon, MD, MPH, FACS Kellie Waugh, DNP Gastroenterology/Hepatology Srinivas Kalala, MD Tracy Elliott, ARNP General Surgery/Colonoscopy Paul Burgett, MD, FACS Stephen VanBuren, MD, FACS Alison Wilson, MD, FACS Mental Health Clinic Megan Heise, ARNP Nephrology T. Michel Daoud, MD Vinay K. Kantamneni, MD Oncology Mattie Testroet, ARNP Ophthalmology/Cataract Surgery Benjamin Mason, MD Orthopedics Robert B. Bartelt, MD Podiatry Stephen Solomon, DPM GCMH Services Anti-Coagulation Ariel Loring, PharmD GCMH Orthopedics Douglas Cooper, MD Pain Management W. Keith Barnhill, PhD, ARNP, CRNA, DAAPM Sleep Disorders GCMH Sleep Service Wound Healing Mandy Vervaecke, ARNP Call 319-824-5081 or 888-824-5081 for scheduling information. Specialty Clinic A: The A1C test The hemoglobin A1C test, or A1C, is an essential tool for tracking your diabetes and how well you’re managing it. The test tells you your average blood glucose (sugar) level over the last two to three months. By getting this test at least twice a year, you can make sure you’re controlling your blood glucose to avoid complications from diabetes. Try to keep your number below 7. You can get your A1C checked at the GCMH Lab as part of our wellness screening with no appointment or doctor’s order needed. B: Blood pressure Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which makes the heart work extra hard. That’s why when you have diabetes, it’s especially important to get your blood pressure taken every time you go to the doctor. Discuss your results with your doctor to set a blood pressure goal and keep track of your progress. C: Cholesterol Check in with your doctor at least yearly on your cholesterol numbers, including total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels. Pay special attention to your LDL, or bad cholesterol, which can build up and end up blocking your blood vessels. If your cholesterol result isn’t where it should be, make a plan with your doctor to try to remedy it. For example, you can eat more heart-healthy foods and exercise more often. S: Smoking If you smoke, do your best to quit. Smoking doubles your risk of heart disease when you have diabetes. Smoking also raises your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. Sources: American College of Cardiology; American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Know the ABCs of diabetes GCMH Specialty Clinic provider shares ways to keep it in check Deb Van Dyke, DNP, ARNP
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