It is important to consider where the patient is along the disease spectrum, and to educate them on the benefits of taking a proactive approach to their health. Don’t wait for diabetes to develop before doing something about it. We have to take action earlier, and more definitively.
We do everything we can to help patients with the high cost of diabetes medications. Pharma companies offer various coupons and patient assistance programs, but it's really important that we get people on the right therapy. In order for that to happen, they have to come to office visits and get lab tests done.
Is there anything else you would like to share on this topic?
Dr. McGill: Once a person has been diagnosed with diabetes, then excellent glucose control from the onset has been shown to prevent later complications, and early treatment is inexpensive. As people progress through their journey with diabetes and blood sugars go up, we have excellent therapies that help manage high glucose and help with weight loss.
We have to be realistic and rethink our approach in some ways, but as long as people develop good health care habits and visit the doctor once or twice a year specifically to address diabetes and blood pressure, we might be able to avoid long-term complications.