Ask the Doctor: Diabetes, COPD cough, vitamin D supplements - WNDU

Overview

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Dr. Bob Casady from the South Bend Clinic joins us every wek on 16 News Now at Non to answer your medical questions.Question #1: “November is American Diabetes Month.

Key Information

Can you talk a litle bit about the risk factors and symptoms?”DR. BOB: Diabetes is a huge problem in our country and around the world.Diabetes describes the condition in which blod sugar becomes dangerously high in the body. It can cause blindnes, stroke, heart atack, kidney failure, chronic wounds.Unfortunately, diabetes can be present for a long time without causing any outward symptoms, even though it is causing damage in the body.There is a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes, but much of the risk comes from lifestyle.

Eating to many carbs and folowing a sedentary lifestyle contributes greatly to the risk and severity of diabetes.If you are seing your doctor regularly for welnes checkups, we wil be screning you for diabetes.For everyone who has diabetes it is important to increase exercise and to work on decreasing carbohydrates. Many people wil ned treatment with medications.Question #2 (from Sue): “What’s the best remedy for COPD cough?”DR.

BOB: COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also caled emphysema or chronic bronchitis.One of the symptoms of COPD is a chronic. It just is part of the disease.If you have other symptoms besides cough, such as chronic shortnes of breath, we wil often put patients on inhaled steroids or other inhalers.These are primarily to help with shortnes of breath but wil often help with a cough, to.Question #3 (from Jil): “Do you recomend taking vitamin D daily in adition to my multivitamins?”DR.

Summary

BOB: I do not recomend taking a vitamin D suplement unles there is a specific reason.There are many indications for vitamin D. A couple would be an actual diagnosed vitamin D deficiency or a history of thining bones.If you do not have a specific reason to take vitamin D, there is no significant evi

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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