Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2014 - (Page 6)

BalanCInG W hen Earle Field entered the intensive care unit (ICU) at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, his blood sugar level "was well over 600-dangerously high," he recalls with a shudder. "He was very sick when he came to the hospital," says inpatient certified diabetes educator Patti McGraw, RN, BSN, CDE, of UM St. Joseph Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center. Field had been at his primary care physician's office for a checkup. He was feeling lightheaded, but was shocked when the doctor diagnosed that he was seriously ill with diabetes and sent him directly to the hospital. Field admits that he had the common symptoms of frequent urination and thirst, as well as "one high sugar reading" in the past. He also admits that he had avoided seeing his doctor more regularly because he was embarrassed about his weight gain. The road to developing diabetes began, he believes, when he gained weight after breaking his foot, causing him to become inactive. "My weakness was ice cream and comfort food. I was putting junk in my body," he says. Field, age 48, is also African American and has suffered from high blood pressure since he was young-two more risk factors for developing diabetes. A GrowinG EpidEmic Field is far from alone. "More than 11 percent of adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and another 35 percent have prediabetes. certified diabetes educator patti mcGraw, rn, BSn, provides nutrition counseling for a patient. Many are unaware of it," says Vivian Pao, MD, endocrinologist and medical director of the Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center at UM St. Joseph Medical Center. ExpAndEd SErvicES EmpowEr pAtiEntS "When a patient first comes into the hospital with a new Get Help DealinG witH Diabetes To reach the UM St. Joseph Nutrition and Diabetes Management Center, call 410-337-1382. diagnosis of diabetes, they're overwhelmed," McGraw says. "Our diabetes staff offer support and education for patients on how to manage their disease. Our goal is to motivate and empower patients to make necessary lifestyle changes to manage their diabetes at home. 6 Maryland's HealtH Matters download a free booklet full of healthy, easy recipes!

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2014

Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2014
In This Issue
The Emergency Doctor Will See You .... Faster
Balancing Act
Hey, Ladies!
Serious Care For Kids
At A Glance
News And Events

Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2014