• Should you be tested for Peripheral Artery Disease
• 6 Important Tests for Staying Healthy with Diabetes
• Uncover the Truth about Periodontal Disease
• What Gestational Diabetes Means for Your Baby
• Don't Overlook the Importance of a Foot Exam

Peripheral Artery Disease

When it comes to preventing the onset of a stroke or heart attack, one test that can save lives is the Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Test. This test monitors the build-up of plaque in the arteries and involves taking the blood pressure at the ankle as well as the arms. If the blood pressure at the ankles is lower than that of the arms, that's PAD.

Not many symptoms are associated with PAD, but some people have experienced not being able to walk at their regular pace. Most people just assume that the symptoms are associated with aging. Risk factors for PAD include diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol & high blood pressure. Treatment options are available in addition to prevention methods to keep this condition from further progressing.

Phylicia Rashad discusses how PAD has affected her family.

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6 Tests for Staying Healthy with Diabetes

In order to stay in control of your diabetes, it is important to not only check your blood sugar regularly, but also monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol as well. Many conditions involving your heart, blood vessels, feet, eyes, kidneys and nerves could arise from neglecting your body. Learn about the six tests recommended for staying healthy:

A1C (or "hemoglobin A1c"): A blood test that averages blood glucose over the past 2-3 months and is the best way to measure overall glucose control.

Blood Pressure: This test measures the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is common in diabetics and having high blood pressure can result in an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and eye disease.

Cholesterol (LDL): A blood test can measure the amount of fat that has built up on artery walls. LDL is known as the "lousy" or "bad" cholesterol and can clog the walls of arteries. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease, but if you catch the problem early enough, it can be treated.

Microalbuminuria: A urine test that measures how well your kidneys are working by measuring the amount of protein in your urine. High blood glucose levels can damage kidneys, but can be treated if caught early.

Eye Exam: Once a year, diabetics should have their retinas examined. High blood glucose and high blood pressure levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.

Foot Exam: Foot problems can arise due to decreased circulation and lack of feeling in the foot from high glucose levels.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is classified with symptoms such as red and swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth. Smoking, as well as certain types of illnesses such as diabetes, increases the risk. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Preventative measures include the following:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste (be sure to replace toothbrushes every 1 - 3 months).
• Clean between the teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and limit snacks between meals.
• Have regular visits with a dentist for teeth cleaning and oral examinations.

Treatment options are available with periodontal surgery recommended for worst case scenarios.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes is high blood sugar (diabetes) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy.

Risk factors include:

• African or Hispanic ancestry
• Being older than 25 when pregnant
• Family history of diabetes
• Giving birth to a previous baby that weighed more than 9 pounds
• Obesity
• Recurrent infections
• Unexplained miscarriage or death of a newborn

Usually there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and non life-threatening to the pregnant woman. Often, the blood sugar (glucose) level returns to normal after delivery.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent infections, including those of the bladder, vagina, and skin
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss in spite of increased appetite

The main goals of treatment are to keep blood sugar levels within normal limits during the pregnancy, and to make sure the fetus is healthy.

Foot Exam

One in four people who have diabetes will develop foot problems that require treatment. Many different types of foot problems can arise and unfortunately, all could lead to serious complications if left untreated.

The Joslin Clinical Guidelines recommend that you have your feet checked at least once a year. The doctor will check for altered sensation, decreased circulation and/or infection.

If you already have diabetic neuropathy, you need to inspect your feet daily and look for cuts, blisters, sores, signs of infection or changes in color or temperature.

Choosing the correct foods to eat can be an everyday struggle for diabetics. Below, we've chosen some options that are delicious and good for you.

Chipotle Mushroom Barley Soup: this fiber-rich family meal is high in vitamin C and vitamin K, and helps regulate blood sugar.

Black Bean & Avocado Omelette: ChefMD^® Healthy Recipe

Healthy Carrot Salad: ChefMD^® Healthy Recipe

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Joslin Diabetes Center experts answer commonly asked questions about diabetes monitoring, treatment, self-care, meal planning, and more.

Q: What exactly does a diabetes educator do? Can seeing one help me even if I've been living with type 1 diabetes for a long time?

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Q: Type 2 diabetes runs in my family. I have it, and I worry that my 12-year old son will get it, too. He's overweight and pretty inactive. Is there anything we can do to help him avoid getting it?

A: Indeed, diabetes can run in families, which means your son does have a higher risk of getting diabetes at some point later in life. The good news is . . . Continue