Diabetes diagnosis

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Story Published: Oct 24, 2006 at 4:40 PM PST

By Cathryn Stephens

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New statistics show that 7.5% of residents in Lane County have been told by a doctor they have diabetes. It's the seventh leading cause of death in the state of Oregon, a condition that can be prevented and successfully treated.

Gwendolan Drummond is a new patient, diagnosed with diabetes six months ago.

"I was concerned because I was having ongoing health issues that were adding up in my life and my father and his family were all diabetics," said Drummond.

Her instincts were right and so far she's been able to control her blood sugar through changes in what she eats instead of using insulin or other medications.

For every Oregonian diagnosed with diabetes there are at least as many people who have the disease, but don't yet know it.

"I really think it's a combination. I mean the whole big main thing is lifestyle. And in lifestyle you think of, what I really think of is activity, lack of activity," said Kathleen Brandt, with PeaceHealth Medical Group.

Brandt has been teaching diabetes education for 13 years and says healthier lifestyle choices are the key.

"Back to the basics, you know more activity, better choices, starting at a young age where it becomes part of life," said Brandt.

For Drummond making those changes is working. "Try to keep my blood levels low and eat the right things," she said.

Oregon is one of 23 states that saw a 50% increase in diagnosed diabetes cases between 1994 and 2004.

For more information about diabetes go to News Links.

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