Expressions of Caring
Diane's life improves with discovery of diabetes
Feeling very ill, Diane left the gift shop at Loma Linda
University Medical Center where she was volunteering and staggered to
the emergency department. Upon arriving, she lost consciousness and collapsed
onto the floor. The emergency medicine team sustained her and admitted
her as an inpatient. Four days later she awoke and was told by her physician
that her blood sugar had been extremely high, at 800, and that she was
diagnosed with diabetes.
More than 16 million Americans have diabetes, half of whom are not aware of it. Diabetes is a life-long disease and the fourth leading cause of death by disease in the United States.
The Loma Linda University Medical Center Diabetes Treatment Center provides inpatient support within the Medical Center, outpatient care through individual and class appointments and support groups, and community outreach including educational presentations and blood screenings.
Like many individuals who are diagnosed, Diane was surprised she had diabetes. The staff at the Diabetes Treatment Center taught Diane how to stay healthy and manage her diabetes. "The staff motivated me to make the right choices so I could continue to live a productive life," says Diane.
Patients like Diane, who receive a physician referral and decide to have their diabetes placed under the management of the Diabetes Treatment Center, enjoy an individualized treatment plan. Besides saving a patient's life, diabetes management delays the onset of complications such as eye disease, kidney disease, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease.
"At the Diabetes Treatment Center, self-management training is the most important aspect in treating diabetes," says Judy Gates, RN, MPH, CDE, director of the Diabetes Treatment Center. "Careful attention to diet, exercise, stress management, blood sugar levels, and medication enable a person with diabetes to live an active, healthy life."
To contact the Diabetes Treatment Center, call (909) 799-2122.
Photo (above): Diane Short was diagnosed with diabetes a year and a half ago. Through the education and support of the staff at the Loma Linda University Medical Center Diabetes Treatment Center, Diane learned how to stay healthy and how to manage her diabetes through insulin injections, a proper diet, and physical exercise. She now volunteers for the Diabetes Treatment Center and promotes the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
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