{"id":8287,"date":"2024-04-15T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8287"},"modified":"2024-04-15T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T14:30:00","slug":"managing-type-2-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8287","title":{"rendered":"Managing Type 2 diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-04-15T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

One in four Veterans live with Type 2 diabetes, more than double that of other Americans.<\/p>\n

Diabetes is not just about high blood sugar levels. It\u2019s a complex metabolic disorder with serious consequences if not managed properly. Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, and there is no cure. Losing weight, eating well and exercising can help manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren\u2019t enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>
Dr. Milton discusses treatment plan with Veteran with type 2 diabetes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Veterans often face unique challenges in managing their diabetes because of other service-related disabilities and mental health issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve witnessed firsthand the overwhelming impact that maintaining proper blood sugar levels can have on the health and well-being of our Veteran population,\u201d said Dr. Avian Milton, clinical pharmacy provider at North Texas VA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Education and proactive health management are key for Veterans of all demographics.<\/p>\n

Many Veterans who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes end up with other complications, including neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. For Veterans already coping with service-related injuries or illnesses, the added burden of poorly managed diabetes can greatly worsen existing health issues and diminish their overall quality of life.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about ensuring a better tomorrow.\u201d<\/h2>\n

\u201cOne misconception is that diabetes can be controlled,\u201d Milton said. \u201cIt can\u2019t be controlled, but it can be managed. Diabetes is a complex condition with many dimensions. It can be affected by diet, physical activity, medication, stress, illnesses, pain, hormonal changes, dehydration and not adhering to prescribed medications.\u201d<\/p>\n

VA clinicians like Milton support Veterans on their diabetic journey. They provide counseling, access to specialized health care services and community resources to help Veterans navigate their diabetic experiences and take a stand against the risks of long-term complications.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s important that our patients have an accurate expectation of diabetes self-management to achieve the best outcomes. It\u2019s not just about feeling good today. It\u2019s about ensuring a better tomorrow,\u201d Milton added.<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know has diabetes, check out this important toolkit<\/a> of items that makes managing diabetes easier.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder with serious consequences if not managed properly. VA can help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":91,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8287","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-news"],"yoast_head":"\nManaging Type 2 diabetes - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder with serious consequences if not managed properly. 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