TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Health is wealth and during Diabetes Awareness Month its important to know how to take care of yourself.
Diabetes is a big deal in the US and more than seven million people are undiagnosed. It is a health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.
According to a 2020 report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 34 million people have diabetes in the country. That equates to just over 10 percent of the population.
Insulin is a form of medication diabetics need but those prices have seen a steady increase over the last decade.
“The cost and accessibility of medication especially insulin has been increasingly a problem,” Dr. Edward Rico, endocrinologist and chief of medical staff for Horizon Health, said. “It feels like all prices of brand name medications including insulin seem to be escalating.”
Dr. Rico said doctors are now more equipped to handle the problem and help people live their best lives.
“We have a better medications than ever both insulin and non-insulin medications are better than what they have ever been within the last few years,” Dr. Rico said. “We have lots of management options to offer patients.”
Dr. Rico said things like exercise and diet are very important in controlling and preventing diabetes. Frequent urination, low energy levels and always being thirsty are just a few symptoms that could be linked to high blood sugar.
“The leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. if you were to go to a dialysis center and talk to patients there,” Dr. Rico explained. “Easily half of them, end stage kidney disease is associated with diabetes.”
If you have any doubts or questions about diabetes, you are urged to visit your primary care physician.
