OCR Text |
Show agnatri nmwww BWWgMgWW 0. by LAURA SEWELL rstj YRTfiTTiTp Managing Type 2 Diabetes Part one of a series. tuv-pa- rt Albert Almanza always has been a natural athlete. The Mexico native earned a spot on the University of Texas basketball team at Austin in 1957, and he played the sport on the U.S. Olympic team in both I960 and 1964. After college, he remained just as active. In fact, it was on a different playing field 20 years ago that he experienced his first real signs of a growing national illness. "I was playing tennis and I asked for a time-o- ut to check my shoes . .. it felt like I had sand in them, recalls Almanza, 66, now a retired insurance agent. "There was no sand, but the bottom of my feet rosiglitazone maleate were very red." On a hunch, his dixtor ordered a blood test, which As long showed Almanza's blood as there are stories to share, Ill take care of my diabetes. sugar levels were extremely high. 1 le had Type 2 diabetes. "It's our special time reading together on the porch. Bobby never gets tired ot hearing his favorites. I never get tired of seeing him smile. I'm not going to let type 2 diabetes keep me from sharing many more stories with my grandson. At the time, diabetes already was in a disturbing upward spiral. Now, the disease has reached epidemic proportions in America, with "I've switched to a healthier diet. Even my wife's on It For exercise, I walk a mile a day but I still needed some help. So my doctor added Avandia for my type 2 diabetes. It makes my body more responsive to Its own natural insulin, so I can control my blood sugar more effectively. blood My sugar levels have Improved with Avandia And while not everyone has the same results, I've kept my blood for over a year. Now that's a great story. down sugar numbers nearing 17 million more than double wliat tlicy were 40 years ago. Of those who have it, 90 percent fall into the Type 2 category. basis (or the epidemic bears g Tlie three-pron- a ferocious name. "It's the Perfect Storm," says Dr. Thomas C. Blevins, an endocrinologist who handles Almanza's treatment at Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology in Austin and also leads seminars for the National Diabetes Education Initiative. 'Hie tluee comx)ncnts of die storm include age the population is aging; obesity, as the population gets more overweight; and ethnicity." are at greater Latinos and risk for Type 2, with simple heredity to blame, Blevins says. And as these ethnic populations increase in America, so, ton, do overall diabetes African-America- numbers. So while Almanza ate right and exercised, he couldn't escape genetics. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance. The pancreas, which makes insulin, can't keep up with the resistance and declines in function. Avandia, along with diet and exercise, helps improve blood sugar control. It may be prescribed alone, with Glucophage (metformin MCI tablets) or with sutfonytureas. When taking Avandia with a sulfonylurea, you may be at risk for low blood sugar. Ask your doctor whether you need to lower your sulfonylurea dosage. Some people may experience tiredness, weight gain or swelling with Avandia. Avandia In combination with Insulin may Increase the risk of serious heart problems. Because of this, talk to your doctor before using Avandia and insulin together. Avandia may cause fluid retention, or swelling, which could lead to or worsen heart failure, so tell your doctor If you have a history of these conditions. If you experience an unusually rapid Increase In weight, swelling or shortness of breath while taking Avandia, talk to your doctor Immediately. Avandia Is not for everyone. If you have severe heart failure or active liver disease, Avandia Is not recommended. Also, blood tests to check for serious liver problems should be conducted before and during Avandia therapy. Tell your doctor It you have Hver disease, or If you experience unexplained tiredness, stomach problems, dark urine or yellowing of the skin while taking Avandia. If you are nursing, pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, or ovulating, talk to your doctor before taking Avandia. j) you are a premenopausal woman who See Important patient Information on the adjacent page. j Ultimately, glucose levels rises. The condition is partly environmental, in that it accompanies weight gain, and partly inherited. (continued on page If I"-;- ,. u; MORE INFORMATION CALL v fFOR AVANDIA. HELP USE THE NATURAL INSULIN IN YOU. Q 6 2002 flu (tap o CDrmrtei AwMii9rilta0nrtlflaQ6in4hia M rtghtt rmrrad 6NciWirwirefllriaimeelUFWsi kmtJ to task MyW Suutt) Oompmt Is not |