Banking on diabetes management
Retired from a 34-year banking career, Pat Doll knows a thing or two about management. He oversaw the vault, security, supplies, tellers, the drive-up window, even a building project. In 2000, when he was diagnosed with diabetes, he took his management skills to a new level – and got a new boss, too.
First he became informed. "Dr. (Mark) Paulson took the time to explain both sides of the diabetes picture – what happens if you manage it, what happens if you don't," says Pat, referring to the devastating effects of uncontrolled diabetes including heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations and kidney failure. "Diabetes is my boss and I have to work around it."
A key tool? Education. It's a top priority for Dr. Paulson and his team at MeritCare Perham Clinic, including nurses, dietitians and diabetes educators. "Success in managing diabetes relies largely on the patient," says Dr. Paulson. "The patient who says 'What can I do to make this better?' is ready to take steps to control it. That was Pat's attitude all the way."
Pat invests in everyday diabetes management – checks his blood glucose each morning, takes two pills, watches his weight, balances food intake with energy output and fits in daily exercise. He recognizes symptoms of low blood sugar and keeps a single-serving orange juice in reserve.
Respect for his new boss has paid dividends. With his diabetes well-controlled, Pat has the health and energy to enjoy family, care for 80 acres of timber, garden, and maintain vintage cars and tractors.
If this year you become one of the thousands of people in our region diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, listen to Pat: "Find a doctor who takes the time to explain things, eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of exercise." That's advice you can bank on.
Posted Date: January 2009