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American Diabetes Association

Our Mission

Our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We lead the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fight for those affected by diabetes. We fund research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, deliver services to communities, provide objective and credible information, and give voice to those denied rights because of diabetes.

Activity

  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What is diabetic dermopathy?
    Diabetes can cause changes in the small blood vessels. These changes can cause skin problems called diabetic dermopathy.

    Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches. These patches may be oval or circular. Some people mistake them for age spots. This disorder most often occurs on the front...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What is coronary microvascular disease?
    Microvascular disease is a disease of the smallest blood vessels, such as those found in the eyes, nerves, and kidneys. The walls of the vessels become abnormally thick but weak. Then they bleed, leak protein, and slow the flow of blood to the cells.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What is a capillary?
    A capillary is the smallest of the body's blood vessels. Oxygen and glucose pass through capillary walls and enter the cells. Waste products such as carbon dioxide pass back from the cells into the blood through capillaries.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How can I help prevent the spread of the flu?
    Below is a list of general precautions of preventing seasonal flu and other communicable diseases:
    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if I have diabetes?
    Women with diabetes develop a greatly increased risk of developing heart disease after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help reduce this risk. HRT replaces the estrogen and progestin once produced by your body. HRT is sometimes used to treat women who experience serious or very un...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What types of health insurance can the Health Coverage Tax Credit purchase?
    The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) can only be claimed for "qualified" health insurance expenses. Qualified coverage includes Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) or your spouse's employer-sponsored health plan if the employer pays less than half of the premium.

    States can also...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What can I do if my child with diabetes doesn't have health insurance?
    If you have health insurance coverage, you should first check and see if your child can qualify as a dependent on your plan or policy.

    Some states have specific definitions of who qualifies as a dependent under a health insurance policy. For example, sometimes, states have specific rules defining...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS)?
    Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) is a range of other disordered eating patterns that doesn't fit the other specific types. These conditions are still serious, and intervention and attention are necessary. EDNOS, or other types of eating disorders, may include:
    • Eating problems or
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the risks of having an eating disorder if I'm pregnant?
    Women with eating disorders have higher rates of miscarriage than do healthy, normal women. Also, your baby might be born prematurely, meaning that it would not weigh as much or be as well-developed as babies who are born full term. Women with anorexia nervosa are underweight and may not gain enough...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How does polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affect women?
    Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of female infertility. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that hold the eggs. When an egg is mature, the follicle releases the egg so it can travel to the uterus for fertilization. In women with PCOS, immature...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
    Here are the most common signs and symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in teens or adult women:
    • abnormal menstrual cycles
    • no periods
    • irregular periods
    • heavy or prolonged bleeding
    • painful periods
    • inability to get pregnant
    • acne
    • facial hair (more than is normal for the ethnic group)
    • waist
    ...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome?
    No one knows the exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but studies are looking at whether it is caused by genetics. Also, because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body's ability to produce insulin. There is a lot of...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed?
    Diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves several steps. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history about your menstrual cycle and reproductive history, including information about birth control you use and any pregnancies you have had. You also will receive a pelvic and physical...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How does polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affect fertility?
    Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can negatively affect fertility since it can prevent ovulation. Some women with PCOS have menstrual periods, but do not ovulate. A woman with PCOS may take fertility drugs, such as Clomid, or inject fertility medications to induce ovulation. Women can also take...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Can polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) increase my risk of miscarriage?
    There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The reason for this is being studied. Increased levels of leuteinizing hormone, which aids in secretion of progesterone, may play a role. Increased levels of insulin and glucose may cause problems with...  Full Post