DEAR NEW DIABETIC PATIENTS,Research shows that the vast majority of patients newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus type II or Prediabetes already had significant CVD “Cardiovascular disease” at the time of diagnosis. CVD is narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply blood flow to the heart, kidney, brain and feet and can lead to heart attacks, chest pain (angina}, strokes, and loss of limbs.
Here at the Endocrine Center one of our main goals is to prevent these complications before they become reality that affects your life forever.
EKG-Electrocardiogram is done for all new Diabetic patients to our clinic, unless you have had one performed in the past 6 months.
Laboratory test to check your Hemoglobin A1C. HbA1C can tell how controlled your blood sugar has been in the last 3 months. Lipid test will also be done to check your LDL and Cholesterol. Our goal is to keep your LDL level <70 or <100 depending in your other cardiac risk factors.
Ankle-brachial index test, also known as ABI, is a test to assess the circulation to your feet and give us an immediate idea how severely affected your circulation may be or not. ABI is a noninvasive test that measures blood pressure & arterial waves in your arms and legs.
Urine Mlcroalbumin test measures protein in the urine. This test needs to be done every year and can tell your doctors if there is any sign of damage to your kidneys as a result of diabetes.
Every diabetic patient needs to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible if you haven’t had one in the last year. A good dilated eye exam performed by an Ophthalmologist can detect early diabetic retinopathy, or retinal damage from diabetes. This condition can be treated with laser or injections to preserve vision if caught early. If not treated, diabetic retinopathy can progress to vision loss and ultimately blindness.
If you have any questions about these tests, please talk to your doctor.
Sincerely,
Dr Amer Al-Karadsheh
