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Dr. Gott 1023
Husband ignores diabetes, risks
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: My husband is 46 years old. During a physical through his job, he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He is taking medication for this, and his doctor told him about changing his diet, exercising and not drinking as much. He did tell him he could have a beer or two with his meals. My husband thinks three to four 12-ounce cans of beer equals two! Needless to say, he is not doing his part in the recommendations given to him. As an example, during a barbecue, he had more than a 12-pack of beer and didn’t really eat a lot, but later he ate six mini doughnuts. He doesn’t exercise, and when he comes home, just lays around until it is time to go to work. I’m worried that if he keeps on with this he will become very ill and worse, probably disabled. How can I stress to my husband how dangerous his actions are? I don’t know how to let his doctor know without sounding like a tattler.
    DEAR READER: I wouldn’t term this activity tattling, because if your husband ignores the consequences of his diabetes, he is a perfect set-up for serious health problems in the future, such as neuropathy, blindness, heart disease, stroke and others.
    I believe that a telephone call to his doctor could very well be what your husband needs most — before the quality of his life becomes severely compromised.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Living with Diabetes Mellitus.”

    DEAR DR. GOTT: Do you know the long-term effects of an allergen on the lungs if symptoms go untreated? Example: Someone who is allergic to cats but lives with one and takes no medication to reduce symptoms (asthma, wheezing, coughing, stuffed-up nose).
    DEAR READER: The consequences of continuing exposure to allergens can vary tremendously. Acute allergic reactions can be fatal. Inhaled allergens can lead to chronic asthma (cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, etc.) and associated lung damage, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and others.
    In most cases, patients allergic to animal dander have chosen to place their pets in other families.
    The use of antihistamines and appropriate therapy for asthma will often improve the quality of life for older allergic adults.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Allergies.”
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