Las Vegas NowDealing with Diabetes
Dear Friend,
Thank you for taking the first step in the battle against diabetes. With more than 200,000 Nevadans diagnosed with the disease last year and more than double that amount unaware that they have it, now is the time to be proactive about your health and the health of your family. After all, with the adoption of healthy habits and choices, 91% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented.
It is recommended that all adults age 45 and above should be tested for diabetes every three years. We encourage you to visit your healthcare professional to discuss the best course of action.
Watch me every Wednesday at 6pm on Eyewitness News where I’ll provide you with top-line educational information on prevention and control, including details on the latest medical breakthroughs.
Here's to your good health!
Paula Francis
The key to Dealing with Diabetes is to take care of yourself, and Channel 8 wants to help you with that. More>>
Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis and her husband Louis Zorich are dealing with his diabetes on a daily basis. More>>
About 800 walkers turned out on Saturday for the annual "Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes" at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. More>>
The American Diabetes Association has adopted a section of the Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday, December 7, 2008. They're in need of volunteers to set up three water stations at mile 18, 19 and 20. More>>
In early trials, a new implantable and removable intestinal liner has shown promise as a non-invasive means to promote blood sugar control and weight loss. More>>
A local gymnastics student continues to raise the bar on her skills, in spite of having to deal with diabetes. And like other diabetic athletes, she's not the only one paying attention to how the disease may be affecting her performance. More>>
The rising tide of diabetes is often associated with obesity and a lack of exercise. But that does not mean that diabetes is predictable. In fact, for one local man who is anything but sedentary, it was the last thing he expected. More>>
It's likely in your fridge and now, scientists are studying it to help patients with type one diabetes. Now lettuce could soon help the millions of Americans diagnosed with this chronic disease. More>>
Higher levels of arsenic in drinking water could be a risk factor for diabetes, according to new research out of Johns Hopkins. Eye on Health checked to see how arsenic levels in the Las Vegas water supply measure up. More>>
Newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics who lose weight soon after their diagnosis gain better control of their blood pressure and blood sugar. Paula Francis has the details More>>
People with diabetes are far more likely to have a foot amputated than other people. The trouble often starts with a sore on their foot that keeps getting worse. In today's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local podiatrist tells us how a new treatment, being tested in Las Vegas may help. More>>
Pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes are three to four times more likely than non-diabetic women to have a baby with at least one birth defect. More>>
Patients who are told they have pre-diabetes should realize they have a major opportunity. The diagnosis offers a warning that the patient is on the path to becoming diabetic. For more about the pre-diabetes consensus, click here. More>>
One of the most serious complications of diabetes remains one of the most difficult to treat according to a new report published in the journal Diabetes Care. For more on the new study, click here. More>>
A simple blood test could someday determine if you're at high risk for developing diabetes -- according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. More>>
Las Vegas will soon be under an excessive heat warning in addition to an air quality advisory. So it's a good time to make sure you're well hydrated if you plan to be outdoors. Although, for someone with diabetes, drinking plenty of water should not be their only concern in hot weather. More>>
A new federal study illustrates the rising tide of diabetes, showing a significant increase over two years. Over that time frame, the number of Americans with diabetes increased by 15-percent, to a staggering 24 million. More>>
Erectile dysfunction could be a warning sign of heart disease. And diabetes increases the risk of both according to new research. In this Dealing with Diabetes report, we hear why guys need to be more open about this sensitive problem. Anchor Denise Valdez has the details. More>>
Controlling blood sugar is a critical part of diabetes care. But researchers now say that tight control could be overrated in preventing heart disease. More>>
Childhood obesity has been rising steadily for more than two decades and in turn, so has type-2 diabetes. But information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates childhood obesity in the U.S. may be slowing. More>>
Diabetes and stroke are occurring more often among Hispanics in Clark County -- yet in many cases, both are preventable. Eye on Health reports on a new effort to raise awareness. More>>
Hot weather this time of year is a good excuse to eat more fruit -- to cool and hydrate the body. But fruit is high in sugar, and that means the diabetic needs to pay closer attention to how much they consume. More>>
Home delivery is now an option for getting diabetes medical supplies. And better still, it's free delivery. The staff of a new company called Diabetic Life Supply will hand-deliver accessories for managing diabetes -- from glucose meters and insulin pumps to test strips and needles. More>>
Having too much body fat is believed to be a risk factor for type-2 diabetes. But new research suggests that depending on the location of the fat, it may actually be beneficial in preventing the onset of diabetes. More>>
The diabetes drug Avandia, which last year was found to increase the risk of heart failure in older patients, is back in the spotlight. New research out of Switzerland suggests the drug may, in some patients, double the risk of bone fractures. More>>
Painful insulin injections may become a thing of the past for diabetics. Researchers are experimenting with a special gel that could allow insulin pills to replace needles. Eye on Health has some local reaction in this week's Dealing with Diabetes report. More>>
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss, and a new study says it's also a warning sign of heart failure. More>>
Two out of three people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke. But those who are proactive with controlling cholesterol and blood pressure stand a much better chance of avoiding trouble. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local heart specialist considers diabetes to be more than just a risk factor. More>>
Researchers at UNLV are studying the prevalence of diabetes in American Indian tribes in the southwest. The prevalence is nearly double that of tribes elsewhere. Anchor Paula Francis has the details. More>>
A diagnosis of juvenile diabetes forces families to cope with unexpected life-or-death challenges. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, Anchor Paula Francis tells us how a local family handled those challenges -- in triplicate. More>>
Someone who had just learned they have diabetes might suddenly find grocery shopping an overwhelming task -- as healthy choices become essential in preventing complications. In today's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local expert has some advice. More>>
Diabetic patients who have undergone procedures at the Endoscopy Center have special concerns. Diabetes by itself is already a risk factor for liver disease. So, some patients are worried that if they also contract hepatitis-C, they may be at higher risk for complications. More>>
Nearly eight out of every 100 pregnant women will develop gestational diabetes -- a form of diabetes that only surfaces during pregnancy. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, we take a closer look at the condition -- that for some, may be a blessing in disguise. More>>
Weight loss is risky business when diabetics restrict their insulin to slim down. And new research suggests the practice is more dangerous than patients may realize. More>>
A national diabetes-related clinical trial has been halted 18 months early over safety concerns. Researchers used several diabetes drugs to see if lowering blood sugar levels -- lower than current standards would protect patients with type-2 diabetes from heart disease. More>>
Getting the day started without a cup of coffee is unthinkable for many people. In fact, there's more caffeine being consumed than ever before. But in this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a new study may have diabetics wondering -- how much is too much? More>>
Obesity surgery has been shown to cure diabetes. And a new study indicates that even a less invasive form of the surgery can make a difference. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local surgeon explains how the procedure helps. More>>
A positive new trend has emerged from research surrounding a blood test that indicates how well a person is managing their diabetes. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local specialist says the national findings are reflected here in Southern Nevada. More>>
Catching a miserable cold is no fun for anyone but if you're a diabetic, it can be especially difficult to handle being sick. Las Vegas resident Tom Moore never worried about catching a cold or the flu, until he became diabetic seven years ago. Anchor Paula Francis has tips for staying healthy. More>>
Maintaining a healthy weight is a goal that's stuffed with challenges, starting with the most basic. The American Diabetes Association is offering some tips that may help include setting realistic goals -- perhaps 5 to 10 pounds to start. Identify a support system, whether it's family, friends or co-workers to support your efforts. Anchor Paula Francis has the story. More>>
Bayer is launching a voluntary recall on 230,000 Contour TS Diabetes test strips. The affected products could lead to blood sugar readings that are higher than actual glucose levels. Anchor Paula Francis has more information. More>>
There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking or better yet, never start. Now, there's a new one. In this Dealing with Diabetes report, Eye on Health looks at new research that connects cigarette smoking with an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes. More>>
A new study out of Canada has been added to those that question the safety of the diabetes drug Avandia. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that older diabetics taking the drug may have a higher risk of congestive heart failure than those taking other diabetes drugs. More>>
A recent study showed the lack of sleep may lead to health problems, including cancer. Now another study suggests that getting less than five hours of sleep a day may contribute to the onset of Type-2 diabetes. Inside find additional information on dealing with diabetes. More>>
People may be running in the Las Vegas Marathon for any number of reasons, but they're getting a health benefit that may not even know about. They're leaving a little-known condition called pre-diabetes in the dust. A local specialist says running puts you a step ahead of diabetes. More>>
The holidays for many of us bring about a change in our eating routine. For a diabetic, it can be all too easy to lose track of blood sugar levels. In this week's Dealing With Diabetes report, a local physician tells us the resulting symptoms can mimic intoxication. More>>
As holiday travel plans come together, diabetics need to be prepared for the unexpected. In this week's Dealing With Diabetes report, we get some travel tips from an emergency room nurse, who also happens to be a well-traveled diabetic. More>>
Avandia, the widely used diabetes drug got a new warning label. The drug's package will now tell patients it may, or may not, increase the risk of heart attacks. More>>
A simple cut on the foot of a diabetic can eventually have dramatic consequences resulting in a sore that takes many months to heal, or that may even result in amputation. But for some, technology has found a way to boost the body's healing capabilities. In this week's Dealing With Diabetes report, we take a look at the hyperbaric chamber. More>>
You might think the war in Iraq has created more demand for artificial limbs, and it has. But actually, diabetes-related amputations account for a much larger increase. The Eye on Health team hears from a local prosthetic maker and from a man whose life was drastically changed by diabetes. More>>
A major fundraiser for diabetes takes place this weekend at Red Rock Canyon. "Walk-the-Rock" benefits the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. The brochure for the event was designed by a young man who is dealing with diabetes himself. More>>
Hiking is great exercise, and it's made even better when your hike is for a cause. The upcoming Walk The Rock event at Red Rock Canyon will raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. The Eye on Health team spoke with a local doctor who has a personal reason for joining the fight against diabetes. Inside, find a link to register for the walk. More>>
If it's been a while since you enjoyed the great outdoors at Red Rock Canyon, you have an opportunity to "Step Out to Fight Diabetes." The "Walk the Rock" event will raise funds for diabetes research. More>>
One of the worst side effects of diabetes is blindness. That's why an international conference on vision, being held in Las Vegas, is giving the subject full attention. More>>
It's a misconception that obesity is always related to type two diabetes, but when it is the major cause -- weight loss can be an effective form of treatment. In this Dealing with Diabetes report, Eye on Health meets a local man whose story provides a dramatic demonstration. More>>
The driver who hit pedestrians on the Strip is not a rarity on the roads. In fact, at any given time 15 to 20-percent of drivers on the road are diabetics. Understanding the symptoms of a reaction can be a challenge. Anchor Paula Francis takes a closer look at the warning signs. More>>
We've always heard that exercise is beneficial for diabetics, and now new research finds the right combination. The study says an exercise program which includes both resistance training and aerobic exercise is the most effective at controlling type-two diabetes. More>>
Part of the daily routine for diabetics is finger pricking to test their blood-sugar levels. But a new study out of England found that many type-2 diabetics have a hard time understanding the test -- and they often skip the routine all together. More>>
Before being diagnosed with diabetes, many patients have unknowingly passed through a stage known as pre-diabetes -- which may have provided a window of opportunity to stop or at least slow the disease. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, Eye on Health takes a look at why that opportunity is so often missed. More>>
Of the 20 million people in the in the U.S. with diabetes, 10-percent of them have type one. That's where the pancreas stops making insulin, and patients must rely on injections. More>>
In the past, diabetes among African Americans could easily go undetected, until it had reached an advanced stage. But new research shows education efforts are paying off -- as fewer blacks and Hispanics unknowingly have diabetes. More>>
You may have noticed an aggressive new ad campaign for a diabetes drug called Exubera. It's inhalant insulin. It's actually been available for a year, so why the big push now? Eye on Health asked Las Vegas endocrinologist, Fred Toffel. More>>
Portion size can be an important consideration for someone with diabetes. Canadian researchers have found that special diet plates were an effective tool in helping type-2 diabetics control thier weight. Click here for a link to EZ weight plates. More>>
It's never easy to put your mom or dad into assisted living, but the decision also becomes more complicated when your aging parent has diabetes. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, find out how to tell if a facility is diabetes- friendly. More>>
Desert Springs Hospital is the first medical center in the nation to receive recognition for its inpatient diabetes program. More>>
A pedicure can be relaxing and beneficial for the feet. But many diabetics are afraid of going in for a pedicure, knowing that a simple cut can lead to a serious infection. The Eye on Health team sees how a local foot-care-specialist is pampering her patients safely. More>>
With the hot weather we've had, its tempting to go barefoot or wear as little as possible on your feet. But for a diabetic, barefoot under a hot sun may not be a good idea. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local specialist explains why. More>>
In this week's 'Dealing with Diabetes' report, find out some facts about the condition called hypoglycemia. As a former police officer, Las Vegas resident Bob Maxwell recalls the first time he encountered someone having a diabetic reaction. The person appeared to be intoxicated. More>>
One local teenager, who is diabetic, let her voice be heard at a Senate hearing in Washington recently. Jordan Exber, 14, was part of a delegation that urged lawmakers to continue funding diabetes research. More>>
Young girls with type-one diabetes have discovered they can lose weight by skipping insulin doses. It's being compared to bulimia and can have lifelong consequences for their health. Anchor Paula Francis has the story. More>>
Diabetes is a growing concern among expecting moms and their doctors. A new study says more than a third of women who suffer from diabetes during pregnancy develop type 2 diabetes within five years. More>>
Keeping track of blood sugar levels is a necessity for the diabetic. Now, the FDA has approved a device that will make it easier, for longer periods of time, to keep up with levels that are constantly changing. Read on for a link. More>>
In this Dealing with Diabetes report, find out about a little-known treatment that is changing, and possibly even saving, the lives of people who already have some complications with diabetes. Anchor Paula Francis has the story. More>>
Doctors are being inundated with phone calls from concerned patients over reports that diabetes drug, Avandia, may increase the risk of heart attack. Anchor Paula Francis hears from a local man who takes Avandia and from a diabetes specialist at 6. More>>
Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center has announced the opening of their new Diabetes Treatment Center. More>>
People who have chronic medical conditions often wear a medical I.D. bracelet in case of emergency. Diabetics might want to do that too. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report. Eye on Health spoke with a local nurse who has seen far too many diabetics in the emergency room. More>>
In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, a local specialist said healthy lifestyle choices are an effective form of prevention of heart attack and stroke. Anchor Paula Francis will have the details at 6. More>>
Researchers have identified 10 genetic variants that may make type 2 diabetes more likely. The findings may lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes, note the scientists. More>>
A progressive eye disease called retinopathy is especially prevalent among diabetics. It causes blurry vision and in some cases blindness. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes report, see how other risk factors can add to the dangerous equation. More>>
People with type one diabetes must rely on taking insulin shots every day just to survive. A procedure called an islet cell transplant can change that, but there are many obstacles. The Eye on Health team shows you how a new twist on this experimental procedure may be better. More>>
Children with diabetes face special challenges, even when they're just spending a week at camp. A local camp is giving these kids a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors like any other kid. More>>
A few months ago, our Dealing with Diabetes segment told you about the lack of doctors who specialize in treating children with diabetes -- there was only one. Now, there are two. More>>
Travel is a real challenge with all the security requirements these days. But for someone with diabetes, it can be especially daunting. In this week's Dealing With Diabetes report, the Eye on Health team talked to a frequent flyer and a diabetes specialist. More>>
Nerve damage, kidney failure, vision loss and amputations -- these are a few of the many complications people with diabetes face. The only way to avoid them is to keep blood sugar levels in complete control. A new breakthrough is making it easier. More>>
At the recent "Taking Control of Your Diabetes" conference, several inspirational speakers were on hand. The Eye on Health team met one whose diabetic journey began on a battlefield. More>>
A diabetes health fair being held this weekend will provide an opportunity to hear from experts on the subject. In this week's Dealing with Diabetes, the Eye on Health team hears from one of the speakers who will be attending the event. More>>
Vision is one the primary senses effected by diabetes. And diabetic retinopathy has become one of the leading causes of blindness. A local eye care center is helping test a new treatment for this progressive disease. Read on for a link to the clinical trials. More>>
Diabetes can complicate a lot of ordinary parts of life, including a visit to the dentist. A build-up of bacteria in the gums is already known to be a risk factor for heart disease. But plaque can also present special challenges for the diabetic. More>>
FDA approval is still pending for a new diabetes drug called Galvus that's supposed to help the body balance sugar and insulin production. If approved, it will be the second in a new class of drugs. More>>
At one time, the diet of Native Americans was healthier than that of most Caucasians. But a growing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is evidence that a shift in diet has had a major impact. More>>
Everyone with diabetes needs to be aware of side effects and corollary disease that can come along with diabetes. For men, one of the most compelling may be erectile dysfunction. More>>
"Sugar" is an ingredient in thousands of foods. It's in a lot of our favorite foods, whether we know it or not! It's also an ingredient that's often misunderstood. More>>
A painful tingling in the feet and a loss of balance are a couple of the problems caused by diabetic neuropathy. In this week's "Dealing with Diabetes" segment, the Eye on Health Team spoke with a local surgeon who's offering a new approach to treating it. More>>
For a diabetic, the winter months are a time when more attention than usual should be given to the feet. The Eye on Health team talked with a local physician. More>>
Nearly 21 million people in the United States are living with diabetes. About 95-percent of them have type 2 diabetes. There are several drugs to help control blood sugar levels but none target the cause of the disease. Now, an old drug could be the solution. More>>
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are prone to foot ulcers, and every 30 seconds someone with diabetes loses a limb. Now, there's a new way to heal those dangerous wounds. More>>
Doctors encourage many people to get flu shots each year but they say it's especially important for those with diabetes. Eyewitness News explains why in this week's Dealing with Diabetes segment. While More>>
An alternative way of taking insulin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The Eye on Health team asked a local specialist about the breakthrough, Exubera. More>>
The number of diabetics in the Las Vegas community is on the rise, but the number of endocrinologists is shrinking. Patients have to wait for appointments and the doctors are overworked. More>>
Thanksgiving begins several weeks of holiday festivities, most of which are celebrated with a big emphasis on food. For those with diabetes, holiday eating comes with special challenges. More>>
The FDA has issued an alert about counterfeit glucose test strips. The strips are used by diabetics to monitor blood-sugar levels. Read on for the lot numbers in question. More>>
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is helping fund research to develop an artificial pancreas. The Eye on Health team spoke with the director of the project, who was in Las Vegas. More>>
A new Canadian study indicates that diabetics have the same risk of cardiovascular disease as someone who is 15 years older. The Eye on Health Team spoke with a local heart surgeon who is not surprised by the findings. More>>
Eating a low-fat vegan diet may be better at managing type 2 diabetes than traditional diets, according to a new study. More>>
