Focus on ME

A newsletter came in the mail the other day from our local county-owned hospital.

This is a place that I haven't been to in years, the last time being for a non- D emergency about five years ago. I saw an Endo affiliated with this hospital back when we'd first moved to Indiana in 2004, but that was only for a couple years and I later switched to a different Endo affiliated with a larger hospital outside of the county we live in, but closer to our home than where this county hospital is located.

But despite those changes, I continue to receive semi-regular mailings from the county hospital. I glance at most of them, flipping through and reading about whatever the local health-care topic may be. Then toss them in the recycling bin.

The latest newsletter for Summer 2011, called Focus on You, grabbed my attention immediately.

This wasn't tailored for me specifically, it was just a newsletter the hospital sends out to all those on the mailing list. But it did apply specifically to me, as it focused on diabetes right there on the cover.

So, I read it. Very remedial for longtime Type 1s, but nonetheless a good informative piece for those who might need it. Nothing wrong with it at all, and I was pleased to see it. AND, I learned something and took a couple things from it...

That little orange box on the cover caught my eye, stating: A recent study by the U.S. government found that many adult diabetics are not doing everything they can to prevent the long-term health consequences of diabetes." In the article, the writer says that study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) found that 58% of diabetics are missing at least one of three crucial tests: Hemoglobin A1c, Dilated Eye Exam, and Foot Exam. Now, I've not looked up this study or information to verify or learn more, but it seems on its face to a pretty reasonable finding.

That made me think about how I've been avoiding my Endo and having the latest A1c done, mostly because I know it's going to be higher and I know what needs to be done; I just haven't been motivated to stop slacking and get my management butt in gear. I had a dilated eye exam back in March, but didn't follow-up as the eye doc had wanted... So I need to do that too. Foot exams come with the Endo visit, and I've already addressed that...

The newsletter also mentioned how the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also recommends regular tests on cholesterol levels, kidney function, and blood pressure. While the newsletter certainly didn't present any new mind-blowing information, it did include that tidbit of 58% of diabetics not doing what they should on the prevention front - and reminds me that as of now, I'm one of those slackers. So there's that.

Then, one of the columns inside the newsletter lists the upcoming classes and events - one of those is a Diabetes Support Group for PWDs, family and friends, that a local R.N. hosts. That could be just another way to take all the online D-Advocacy offline to another forum, and find some others locally to meet and talk to.

So, thank you local hospital I don't go to for anything anymore. Glad to be on your mailing list and get info like this. But mostly, thanks for getting good helpful info out there!