In 2000, diabetes was listed as the cause of death for almost 70,000 Americans; as a contributing factor in the deaths of another 213,060. It is a leading cause of blindness and a contributing factor in heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. It is the reason behind more than 80,000 limb amputations each year.

We take diabetes seriously. If you have diabetes and are under the care of one of our providers, we verify you have regular exams to help prevent complications of this disease through the following:

• Hemoglobin A1C: A blood test that provides a ten-week picture of your blood sugar levels
• Regular eye exams to protect your valuable eyesight
• Cholesterol checks to validate your total cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and tryglyceride values
• Regular blood pressure checks
• Yearly vaccination against influenza and pneumonia
• Appropriate management of any medications you may take
• Foot exams to check for good circulation in your legs, ankles, feet and toes
• Education on how diet, exercise and daily blood sugar monitoring can reduce the risk