Tag Archives: healthy lifestyle

Protect Your Vision: Understanding and Managing Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. It damages blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. As high blood sugar levels cause these blood vessels to swell, leak, or become blocked, vision may be disrupted, often without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Why Annual Eye Screenings Are Crucial

Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes occur, the disease may be advanced. Comprehensive, yearly dilated eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent or slow disease progression​.

The Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy

Stage 1: Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR)

  • Early Stage: Many people with diabetes experience this stage, which occurs when tiny blood vessels in the retina leak and cause swelling.
  • Macular Edema: If the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision) swells, it can lead to vision loss. This is the most common cause of vision problems in diabetic patients​.

Stage 2: Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR)

    • Advanced Stage: The retina starts to grow new, fragile blood vessels.
    • Vision Risks: These new vessels often bleed into the vitreous (gel-like center of the eye), leading to floaters or even total vision obstruction​.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Retinopathy

Anyone with diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, or gestational—can develop diabetic retinopathy. Risk factors include:

  • Duration of Diabetes: The longer you have diabetes, the greater your risk
  • Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: High levels over time increase complications
  • High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: These can exacerbate the damage to blood vessels
  • Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes increases risk
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking accelerates disease progression​

Manage Your Diabetes to Lower Risk

Effective diabetes management can reduce your risk of developing or worsening retinopathy:

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar
  • Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your doctor’s guidance for insulin or other treatments​

Take Charge of Your Vision Health

Annual diabetic retinopathy screenings are a key component of diabetes care, offering early detection of eye changes before symptoms arise. This simple, painless process includes administering eye drops to dilate your pupils and allowing your doctor to examine the retina for signs of leaking or abnormal blood vessels. Routine screenings can prevent vision loss through timely intervention, making them a vital part of managing your diabetes.

Convenient Screenings at MPCP

Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP) offers in-office diabetic retinopathy screenings, making it easier to integrate proactive eye care into your diabetes management. Our approach provides:

  • Convenience: No need for separate appointments at external clinics.
  • Comprehensive Care: Screenings are seamlessly incorporated into our patient-centered diabetes care plan.
  • Proactive Health Monitoring: Detecting potential complications early allows for personalized care tailored to your needs.

Take control of your eye health today. Visit your patient portal to schedule your diabetic retinopathy screening at MPCP and protect your vision with compassionate, coordinated care designed to support your overall wellness. 

 

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Protect Your Health: Simple Steps to Manage & Prevent Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting around 38 million Americans, with 90-95% of them having Type II diabetes. When blood sugar, or glucose, is too high, it can lead to serious health complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and can even increase the risk for certain cancers. The good news? With the right steps, you can lower your risk and manage diabetes to live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Lifestyle Interventions Can Help with Diabetes Prevention

Unfortunately, the number of Americans with Type II diabetes is growing – as is the number of Americans with prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined as having elevated blood sugar, before reaching the levels needed for Type II diabetes. 

About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has prediabetes, yet over 80% aren’t aware. Without action, many could develop type 2 diabetes within five years. However, it is possible to prevent progression or even reverse prediabetes through simple lifestyle interventions like a well-balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Ask your MPCP physician if you’re at risk for diabetes or prediabetes, and learn steps to protect your health.

Know the Symptoms

Regular screening is key, especially if you have risk factors for Type II diabetes. Early detection can make all the difference. Knowing the symptoms can help you know when you should request screening or speak with your physician:

  • Increased Thirst
  • Frequent Urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred Vision

Risk Factors You Should Know

While some risk factors can’t be changed, others are within your control. Major risk factors include:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of diabetes

If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider talking to your MPCP physician about screening options and lifestyle adjustments.

Take Action to Lower Your Risk

  1. Choose a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables. Limit sugary and processed foods to help keep blood sugar stable.
  2. Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Regular activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports healthy blood sugar levels and supports your overall wellness.

Keep Up with Screenings: Regular check-ups can catch changes early. If you’re at risk, ask your MPCP physician about scheduling a diabetes screening.

For Those Managing Type II Diabetes—Small Changes, Big Impact

If you’re managing diabetes, daily habits are crucial. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Monitor Blood Sugar: Regular checks help you understand how food, activity, and medications impact your levels.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress affects blood sugar. Try techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or hobbies to reduce stress.

Check Your Feet: Diabetes can cause circulation issues, particularly in the feet. Inspect your feet daily to catch potential issues early.

Ask Your MPCP Physician

Concerned about your risk of developing Type II diabetes or need guidance on managing it? Your MPCP physician can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.

Take control this Diabetes Awareness Month—get in touch to connect with your MPCP provider for support and guidance to protect your health and live well with diabetes.

 

 

What Are Statins? Benefits, Side Effects, and Why They’re Essential for Your Health

Statins are a powerful tool in managing high cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., statins can play a vital role by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This “bad” cholesterol contributes to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications.

Some patients have concerns about statins, and we’re here to offer clear, supportive information to help you make informed choices about your health and address any misconceptions.

How Do Statins Work?

Statins are medications that lower cholesterol by reducing its production in the liver. While diet and exercise are key in managing cholesterol, statins offer additional protection for those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Statins are especially important for individuals with conditions like diabetes, coronary artery disease, or those who’ve had a stroke.

Statins could be prescribed if your cholesterol is high or if you have other significant risk factors. Unless immediate action is necessary, lifestyle changes are usually encouraged to see if they can reduce risk before introducing statins.

Common Side Effects of Statins

Most people tolerate statins well, but they can cause side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. Common side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Slight increase in blood sugar levels

Fortunately, these side effects are usually mild and temporary. Should you experience unusual symptoms, your MPCP provider can adjust your treatment plan to ensure you’re comfortable.

Who Should Be Cautious with Statins?

Certain individuals are at greater risk for side effects, including those who:

  • Are over 80 years old
  • Have liver or kidney disease
  • Take multiple cholesterol-lowering medications
  • Drink excessive amounts of alcohol

For those who fall into any of these categories, your MPCP provider will monitor your treatment closely and potentially adjust your dosage or suggest additional tests to ensure that statins are safe and effective.

Additional Risk Stratification Testing:

CIMT Testing

For patients unsure about starting statins, MPCP offers Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Testing at our Columbia Cardiology office. This simple, non-invasive test measures plaque buildup in your arteries and helps assess your risk of heart disease. CIMT can provide valuable insight into your heart health and help you evaluate your cardiovascular risk and the potential benefits of statins.

CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is obtained through a CT scan. It is most helpful in patients who are being screened who have intermediate or borderline heart disease risk, particularly those with a family history of very early coronary artery disease, if statin therapy decision remains uncertain.

Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Levels

Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) is a protein that transports cholesterol throughout your body, mainly carrying LDL and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), both of which can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. Consider Apo B as a taxi that primarily delivers “bad” cholesterol. High levels of Apo B in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease.

Performing an Apo B blood test to measure this protein and better understand your cholesterol levels is not routinely recommended. In certain cases, specifically in those with high triglyceride levels, elevated Apo B levels could indicate the need for cholesterol-lowering treatments, such as statins, to protect your heart health.

The Benefits of Statins

For most patients, the benefits of statins—such as reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease—far outweigh the potential risks. Statins have been proven to help people live longer, healthier lives by improving heart health.

If you have any concerns about statins or risk for other serious complications, your MPCP provider is here to help you decide what’s best for your health.

Dr. Green is a Maryland Primary Care Physicians, LLC partner and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. He sees patients at the Glen Burnie office.

Spring-clean Your Way to Better Health

By: ARLENE CABRERA, FNP-C

Spring-cleaning is a good way to greet the arrival of warm weather after being cooped up indoors for months. It’s a time to declutter and purge, but it also has real health benefits, from boosting your immune system to reducing stress. Before you pick up a broom, see how making your house cleaner can also make you healthier.

Spring-cleaning can prevent illness
Items in the house you use a lot, especially if several people use them, can be breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. Things like faucets, doorknobs, cutting boards and counters need to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the spread of germs.

Tips to prevent illness:

  • Clean the items you use most, or items that could come in contact with your mouth, eyes or nose, including your cellphone, keyboard, bedding and towels.
  • Sanitize surfaces with alcohol-based cleaners to kill germs.
  • Certain parts of the kitchen need special attention, such as the refrigerator and freezer, pantry, counters and cupboards. The kitchen sink can contain more bacteria than a toilet — Yuck! — so clean it regularly.
  • Wash all your produce before cooking to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Pay special attention to bathrooms and other places that are shared with family members.

Spring-cleaning can decrease stress and improve mood
We spend most of the winter months inside, and many of us are working at home at least part time due to COVID-19. Stuff tends to accumulate, and clutter can negatively impact our mood and sense of well-being.

Many people find that the process of sorting through items, reorganizing and getting rid of unwanted stuff by tossing, donating or recycling them can be mentally refreshing. Studies have found that people who clean out clutter enjoy better moods and report being able to think and sleep better.

Tips to improve mental health:

  • Don’t just stack magazines or shove unworn clothes into the closet. Sort through clothing, toiletries, kitchen supplies and paperwork. Get rid of things you no longer need.
  • To help you sleep better, keep only essentials on your bedside table. Also, one study reported that people who change their sheets often sleep better than those who don’t.
  • Use cleaning as a de-stressing ritual. As you clean, practice being mindful of the tasks you’re doing. This will help promote a positive attitude and clear mind.

Spring-cleaning protects your immune system
During the winter months, allergens like dust, mold, mildew and pet dander collect in your house. Plus, the blossoming of plants outdoors can bring seasonal allergens into your home, increasing your risk for allergies and other respiratory problems. A clean house can help you breathe better by preventing respiratory issues and supporting a healthy immune system.

Tips to boost your immune health:

  • Dust all surfaces, including those you may not usually clean, including the legs of furniture, tops of frames and mirrors, tops of lamps and lights, floor baseboards, railings and window sills.
  • Vacuum your floors – especially the corners — curtains and ceiling cobwebs to eliminate dust. Wash rugs, when possible, and consider having your carpets cleaned to remove deep-down dirt.
  • Wash all bedding and blankets. Put pillows into the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any dust mites.
  • Change your furnace filters to make sure the air in your house stays cleaner.
  • Take off your shoes at the door to avoid carrying in dirt and dust.

Spring-cleaning reduces risk of injury
Falls at home are a common cause of injuries, especially among older adults. Spring is a good time to make adjustments to your home, or an older parent’s home, to reduce the risk of falls. Having a clear path and removing obstacles can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Tips for a safer home:

  • Remove clutter from pathways, hallways and staircases. This includes backpacks, shoes, sports equipment, shopping bags and boxes.
  • Fasten down loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing.
  • Tack electrical cords to baseboards or reroute them along the wall to eliminate the risk of tripping on one.
  • Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
  • Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower.

 

Arlene Cabrera, FNP-C, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Far Eastern University, Philippines, and her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University, Minneapolis, Minn. Formerly an intensive care nurse with the University of Maryland Medical System, she treats patients in MPCP’s Arundel Mills office.