Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and a great opportunity to discuss the risk factors of the disease.  Diabetes affects 26 million Americans with an estimated 79 million American adults aged 20 years or older having prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing the disease. With these numbers, you can see the importance of knowing the risk factors!

Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90 -95% of all diagnosed cases. The risk factors include:

• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• Being overweight
• Aged 45 or older
• Being physically active less than 3X/week
• Having given birth to a baby that weighed over 9 pounds
• Had gestational diabetes

So now that you know the risk factors, what can you do about it? With type 2 diabetes being associated with obesity, physical activity and a healthy diet are important. The Center for Disease Control has created the National Diabetes Prevention Program which is an evidence based lifestyle change program for preventing type 2 diabetes. Participating in the program can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half!

The pharmacists and staff at Echo Pharmacy are here to help and provide support. We have a Certified Diabetes Educator on staff who can provide comprehensive individual assistance with glucometers, strips, lancets, insulin, syringes, medications, diet and exercise. Come in and see us or give us a call at 631-642-8175 to learn how we can help!

Our Certified Diabetes Educator is Here to Help!

Echo Pharmacy is not your typical pharmacy. We are proud to offer a hometown feel and do all that we can to support our patients. To that end, we have a Certified Diabetes Educator on staff to help manage your diabetes most effectively.

A certified diabetes educator has extensive knowledge and experience in diabetes management, pre-diabetes, and diabetes prevention. By having a certified diabetes educator on staff, Echo Pharmacy provides education and support to those affected by diabetes and helps the patient manage their condition. 

Our certified diabetes educator can help devise individualized behavioral and treatment goals. Exercise routines and nutrition plans can be discussed. Choices can be made about which blood glucose meters to utilize and the patient can be educated on the best way to test. 

Echo Pharmacy's certified diabetes educator is on hand to answer all questions. Patients will find the support they need to feel confident in the choices they make. 

If you have any questions about diabetes, diabetes management, or our certified diabetes educator, please call us at 631-642-8175.