Beth Hendrickson, RN

Diabetes is a common disease carries both minor and major health risks. Have you ever wondered if you may have diabetes based on your health and energy levels? It is important to know if you have or are predisposed to the condition, since it affects how you live your life and could lead to significant illness or even death if left untreated.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed via a panel of blood tests which include a fasting blood sugar test, insulin levels, and a Hemoglobin A1c.

November is National Diabetes Month. Not cause for celebration, as far as I am concerned and I am a diabetes educator. If controlled properly, most people with diabetes can live relatively complication-free, but if left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to major health problems like blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve disease, and even amputations..

Every day, about 2,200 people in this country are diagnosed with diabetes, which means that about 798,000 will be diagnosed in the coming year. Thousands more will develop the disease and not even know it.

Learn about where Lyme disease comes from, prevention, symptoms, treatment and what life with Lyme can look like. This dynamic tick-borne disease can be difficult to diagnose. Fortunately treatments are available if done early.

Cancer is an overwhelming disease; as much an emotional roller coaster as a frightening physical process. Confusion is a natural by-product of diagnosis.

Perception of pain is as individual as each person. What works for one person may not work for another, especially if you have Lupus.

Lupus is perhaps the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease in the history of medicine. It has been called The Great Imitator because its symptoms can mimic other, more common diseases and syndromes.

For people with a chronic illness like Lupus, Scleroderma, or Rheumatoid Arthritis, the holidays can be a time of utter loneliness, depression, and even despair.

I'll have to admit that Lupus is one of those things that even after studying and researching, I have a hard time understanding. We may think we understand how much it hurts, but unless you have Lupus, you just really can't understand