The Ins and Outs of Diabetes Care in Israel

A new year has begun and we are all in the throes of vacation interspersed with moments of having to work. We are busy arranging get-togethers, cooking, planning, and attempting some level of schedule. I don’t know about the rest of you, but, for me, any thoughts of organized eating, exercise, and more sleep, have certainly gone out the window.

But all of us, exhausted as we are, are still spending those late hours of the night, googling. (Which reminds me of a different post identifying the dangers of consulting Dr. Google for a diagnosis, but that’s another story)

So I thought this would be a good time to review the 20 most popular diseases googled in 2017.  And the winners are…

Diabetes

Depression

Anxiety

Hemorrhoid

Yeast infection

Lupus

Shingles

Psoriasis

Schizophrenia

Lyme disease

HPV

Herpes

An interesting list to be sure. Is it frequency, the fear factor, the helpless feeling of unwanted diagnosis, that has made the world search for more information about these common, and not as common, conditions?

So, as we are all consuming are tasty holiday desserts, I thought I would quickly review the ins and outs of diabetes care in Israel.

What is diabetes mellitus?

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose).

If you have diabetes, no matter what type, it means you have too much glucose in your blood, although the causes may differ. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.

We can acquire this illness either as a child, known as Type I (juvenile), as an adult (Type II), and during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Treatment will depend on levels of glucose that exceed normal, as well as illnesses that can result from diabetes.

Where do we go in Israel for treatment?

I have a good friend who’s an endocrinologist (hormone doctor), the specialist that treats diabetes. She has drummed into my brain that everyone diagnosed with diabetes (or prediabetes) should consult an endocrinologist for follow-up.

This means that when your glucose and A1C (you can look that up if you want) levels, are elevated, and your family doctor tells you should start taking insulin, make an appointment with an endocrinologist for diagnosis, as well as a 6 month to 1 year follow-up. I have met many clients over the years who have never met an endoncrinologist! It’s a waste because these doctors are specialists in this area and may have much to contribute to your course of treatment, and overall wellbeing.

In addition, all of the kupot have diabetes clinic (mirpa’at sakeret), which can offer more comprehensive services: nurse visits, nutritionist, endocrinologist. Take advantage of this service as well.

For a more detailed overview of your rights as a diabetes patient, take a look at Kol Zchut site (translated by the Shira Pransky Project).