By Julie Carrico, MBA, CCRC
It’s not uncommon for folks who have been recently – or in some cases not so recently – diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to decline medication as an intervention and state their intention to “control” diabetes via diet and exercise. They leave
the doctor’s office vowing “this time I’m really going to lose 30 pounds!” And off they go, only to return for their next clinic visit having little change in weight and no change in their diabetic control.
When some of these patients are questioned about their reluctance to use medication, they tell us that they are afraid of the risks and side effects medications can have. But here’s the truth – these patients are putting themselves at a much greater risk by not taking medication. By having out-of-control blood-glucose levels, they are unknowingly causing damage to their bodies and increasing their risk for such serious complications of diabetes as blindness, stroke, amputation, kidney failure, and coronary heart disease.
Of course I have to be respectful of patients’ desires to self-manage their healthcare, but what I would like to say to these patients is this: “ARE YOU CRAZY? Of course you need to exercise, lose weight, and learn about healthy eating for diabetes! But protect your body now too! Use the medication while you’re working on exercise, weight, and diet and then once you achieve those goals, work with your healthcare provider to adjust (or possibly eliminate) medications.” This just makes sense.
To be sure, all patients should have a good understanding of the risks and side effects associated with medications they are using. Patients must work with their healthcare providers to decide whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits when using any medication, not just those for diabetes.
If you are one of these patients with Type 2 diabetes and have tried diet and exercise but still need some help achieving acceptable diabetic control, we have a clinical study for you! It’s a fact that patients on a study do better than patients not on a study. We’d love to talk with you and we promise not to yell. Find out more about our diabetes program here.
The Clinical Research Center is currently seeking volunteer patients in studies for Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes.
If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, contact the Clinical Research Center at 541-766-2163, or send an email to research@corvallisclinic.com or fill out our Research Study Information Request form. And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/corvallisclinicresearch.
– Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center and a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator
