 | Joseph P. Galichia, MD is the founder and Medical Director of the Galichia Medical Group, PA. He is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of interventional cardiology. In the 70's, Dr. Galichia studied in Zurich, Switzerland with the inventors of the balloon angioplasty technique for treating heart disease. As a result of his experience, he was able to bring this historic technique back to the United States where he was one of the first physicians to perform coronary angioplasty here. A noted medical spokesman, he appears on a weekly Newstalk segment on KWCH Channel 12 and has a weekly syndicated radio talk show on KNSS 1330 AM every Saturday live from 11:00 am to noon. Dr. Galichia may be contacted by sending an e-mail to service@galichia.com |
Health & Medicine
2008-10-01 08:48:00
Diabetes questions
Answer: Diabetes is increasingly diagnosed in this country. Many Americans don’t get enough exercise, smoke, have unhealthy diets, are obese or sedentary. Some people also have genetic predisposition toward diabetes, and are susceptible to the disease (especially those of Native American and African American descent). Diabetes must be managed well, and should be monitored by an endocrinologist. Technology for treatment improves all the time, and lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in quality of life and longevity. Diabetic patients are often checked for heart disease, renal disease, and stroke as well; many of the same behaviors and risk factors are present for these as well as diabetes. Other than insulin management as directed by your physician, make sure to have your feet and legs checked every time you see your doctor, and have your eyes checked at least once a year. Changes in pulse rates can mean that the circulation is compromised and care must be provided. Vision changes can indicate that the metabolic and insulin levels are in need of adjustment. I tell many of my patients with diabetes to recognize the disease as a condition that is manageable but also potentially life-threatening; and do whatever possible to alleviate aggravating the situation. Paying attention to your health and respecting the needs of your body are crucial with this diagnosis. Your physician can provide you with treatment options and put you on a regimen that will maximize your health, and minimize the co-occurrence of other diseases.
