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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 can prevent miscarriage in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome?
    The best way to prevent miscarriage in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is to normalize hormone levels to improve ovulation, and normalize blood glucose and androgen levels. Recently, more doctors are prescribing the drug metformin to help with this.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Can I take metformin for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) while pregnant?
    Some doctors allow pregnant women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to continue taking metformin in pregnancy, while others won't prescribe it to women trying to conceive. There is no evidence that it causes birth defects, but the long-term effects on the baby are not known. Women and their...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What problems can polycystic ovarian syndrome cause?
    Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can be at an increased risk for developing several other conditions. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce estrogen, but not progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How can polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cause endometrial cancer?
    Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to produce estrogen, but not progesterone. Without progesterone, which causes the endometrium to shed each month as a menstrual period, the endometrium may grow too much and undergo cell c...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Can polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) cause depression?
    Depression or mood swings also are common in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Although more research is needed to find out about this link, there are studies linking depression to diabetes. Therefore, in PCOS, depression may be related to insulin resistance. It also could be a result...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is polycystic ovarian syndrome treated?
    Because there is no cure for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), it needs to be managed to prevent further problems. There are many medications to control the symptoms of PCOS. Doctors most commonly prescribe birth control pills for this purpose. Birth control pills regulate menstruation, reduce...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    How is ovarian drilling for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) performed?
    Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A very small incision is made above or below the navel, and a small instrument called a laparoscope that acts like a telescope is inserted into...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Can I breastfeed my baby if I have diabetes?
    Unless your health care team advises you otherwise, yes. Breast milk provides the best nutrition for babies and breastfeeding is recommended for all mothers with either preexisting diabetes or gestational diabetes.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase my risk of cancer?
    The risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are increased incidence of breast cancer and uterine cancer while using estrogen. However, when estrogen and progesterone are administered together and in the correct doses, the risk of cancer of the uterus or endometrium is reduced.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What can help the body accept a kidney transplant?
    To fool the body into accepting the donor kidney, doctors try to match the donor and recipient for a blood protein called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) type. Despite the best HLA matching, the body may still not recognize the new kidney as part of itself. For this reason, people with kidney transplants...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the risks of immunosuppressive drugs for organ transplants?
    Immunosuppressive drugs are hard on the body, but people who get organ transplants must take these drugs the rest of their lives. Azathioprine and cyclosporine, two commonly used drugs, make it easier for you to get infections and have other side effects. You will need to avoid people who have in...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Are immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplants safe?
    Immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplants pose dangers. Although suppressing the immune system keeps the body from noticing the foreign organ, it also keeps the immune system from noticing infections. As a result, the person can get sick more easily. These drugs also have many side effects.  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What are the risks of diabetes in women?
    Diabetes can be especially hard on women. The burden of diabetes on women is unique because the disease can affect both mothers and their unborn children. Diabetes can cause difficulties during pregnancy such as a miscarriage or a baby born with birth defects. Women with diabetes are also more likely...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    Should I get a pancreas transplant for my diabetes?
    A study has indicated that, for patients with functioning kidneys, survival rates of patients who receive pancreas-only transplants are worse than the survival rates of patients who manage their diabetes with conventional therapy (insulin, diet, etc.). Therefore, the decision to have a pancreas-only...  Full Post
  • American Diabetes Association
    American Diabetes Association answered:
    What is the link between heart disease and diabetes in women?
    One in three women will die of heart disease compared to one in nine women dying of breast cancer. Forty percent of heart attacks result in death. Diabetes is a powerful risk factor for heart disease in women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women with diabetes. Women with diabetes...  Full Post