Page 4 - January 2021 South Florida Hospital News

Cases of Childhood Diabetes

Continue to Rise

It’s wise to be vigilant. Extra weight, especially belly
Unfortunately, too many fat, can result in insulin resist-
Americans have delayed ance. When this occurs, the
medical treatments during cells in your body cannot
the pandemic. Forgoing absorb glucose; in turn, levels
Specializing in Medically care is dangerous, especial- of sugar build up in the blood
ly while numerous medical and your body is unable to use
Complex Patients conditions continue to insulin effectively.
rise. Of special concern is To prevent type 2 diabetes,
Kindred Hospitals are owned by Kindred diabetes in children and keep a healthy lifestyle by eat-
teenagers.
ing nutritiously, incorporate
Healthcare, Inc., a national network of Long Term When we think about daily exercise and keep a nor-
Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH's). BY SHEILA PEREZ-
childhood diabetes, we mal weight. You should also:
Kindred Hospitals provide specialized, high quality immediately think about COLON, MD • Drink water instead of
care for acutely ill patients. For more than a decade, type 1 not type 2. Type 1 soda or sugary drinks
we have fine-tuned the art of medically complex care. diabetes is an autoimmune • Eat vegetables and fruits
disease in which the body can’t make • Eat whole grain foods
Our services range from complex catastrophic insulin. According to the Centers for • Avoid fried foods
illnesses that require intensive care, post-surgical medical Disease Control and Prevention, cases of • Limit processed foods, including fries,
rehabilitation to patients suffering from chronic diseases requiring respiratory and type 1 diabetes have increased especially in chips, baked goods, and processed meats
rehabilitative therapies. Kindred Hospitals provide outcome-oriented African American, Hispanic, and Asian So many of us are not going to a gym
cost effective care for patients with a wide spectrum of communities by about 20 percent. Cases of because of COVID-19. Despite that, you
medical conditions. type 2 diabetes, which is often associated can still exercise indoors. Take a Zoom
with adults, have also grown significantly dance class or turn on your favorite music
Admissions to Kindred Hospitals may be in children and teenagers. and move; connect with a friend online
recommended by physicians, acute-care hospitals, With the rise of diabetes, it’s essential and dance together or do daily exercise
rehabilitation hospitals, managed care providers, case that children and teenagers visit their doc- routines at home.
management companies or by the patient’s family. tors when having signs or symptoms sug-
In all cases family tours are encouraged.
gestive of the disease. The goal is to recog- Medical Treatments
nize the disease early for proper treatment for Type 2 Diabetes
and prevention of complications. Talk to your doctor about losing weight
Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital When diabetes is not recognized and and eating a healthy diet, daily exercise,
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Coral Gables The Palm Beaches treated, it can lead to kidney damage, blood sugar monitoring, and the need for
1516 East Las Olas Blvd. 1859 Van Buren St. 5190 Southwest Eighth St. 5555 West Blue Heron Blvd impaired vision, heart disease, or stroke. medication. Your doctor may suggest a
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33301 Hollywood, FL 33020 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Riviera Beach, FL 33418 Diabetes type 1 can lead to a serious com- nutritional consultation and will be able to
954-764-8900, ext. 5136 954-920-9000 305-448-1585 561-904-8451 plication known as diabetes ketoacidosis. advise you on which medications you’ll
www.khfortlauderdale.com www.khsfhollywood.com www.khcoralgables.com www.khthepalmbeaches.com
It’s possible, but rare, for type 2 diabetes to need to control your blood sugar levels.
lead to diabetes ketoacidosis. Despite the pandemic, if you need to
The perception that type 2 diabetes visit your doctor’s office know that most
occurs only in adults is erroneous. It is doctors are seeing fewer patients and spac-
unfortunately a common disease in the ing visits for safety. Social distancing is
pediatric population today. observed, and masks are worn. Call your
doctor if you have any concern to see how
Type 2 Diabetes—Signs and Causes you could be accommodated.
In many cases, symptoms of type 2 dia- If you’re still unsure about meeting your
betes can be overlooked. You should watch doctor in person, you can schedule a
for: telemedicine visit and still get good med-
• Extreme thirst ical care. During your visit, let your doctor
• Frequent urination know if you have any of the above diabetes
• Increased appetite symptoms. A blood test will confirm if you
• Unintended weight loss have diabetes.
• Feeling exhausted Early diagnosis of diabetes is key and
• Dark patches of skin around your provides you with the best treatment
armpits and neck options.
Diabetes type 2 is partially genetic and is
mostly attributed to obesity, poor diet, and Dr. Sheila Perez-Colon is a pediatric
lack of exercise. As childhood obesity rates endocrinologist for Kidz Medical Services. She
rise, so does the rate of type 2 diabetes. sees patients in Miami-Dade County.

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4 January 2021 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News