Mina Pharmacy believes independent pharmacies are the ideal care provider for diabetes patients. In most of our retail locations, we have diabetic life centers to help educate patients on different products that are available to them.

ADA's Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes

Mina Pharmacy was proud to sponsor the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) "Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes" this year. Mina was happy to sponsor the “Mina Pharmacy Health Fair Tent” at the end of the walk and provide free glucose screenings. Click here for the

Diabetes Overview

Diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types of diabetes include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 – Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreas are gradually destroyed and eventually fail to produce insulin. Type 1 accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diagnosed diabetes in the United States. While it is most often diagnosed in children and teens, it is not uncommon for adults to be diagnosed later in life.

Type 1 Treatment:
People with type 1 diabetes must have insulin injections to supplement the failing insulin production of their pancreas. Insulin is injected with a syringe or pen injector, or through an infusion device called an insulin pump. There are also adjunct, or companion, treatments for type 1 diabetes that may be prescribed along with insulin. These treatments should be discussed with your pharmacist and physician.

Good nutrition, particularly careful monitoring of carbohydrate intake, and regular physical activity are also important "treatments" for controlling type 1 diabetes and preventing long-term complications. Regular blood sugar testing can help you monitor how your treatment routine is working. These tips, in conjunction with regular visits with your doctor, can help manage your diabetes and avoid diabetes complications.

Type 2 – People with type 2 diabetes are still able to produce insulin at diagnosis. However, the insulin they produce is unable to perform its primary job — helping the body's cells use glucose for energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes accounting for 90%-95% of people with diabetes. These diagnosed cases were once limited to adults, but the number of children diagnosed with type 2 is increasing as inactive lifestyles and obesity continue to rise.

Type 2 Treatment:
Type 2 treatment is an absolute must for diabetes patients. A long-term commitment to good nutrition, careful monitoring of carbohydrate intake, and regular physical activity is critical to successful type 2 diabetes treatment. Medications for type 2 diabetes are prescribed when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough to keep blood sugars in a safe range. Some people with type 2 diabetes may eventually require regular insulin injections to keep their blood glucose levels in control.

The information provided by regular blood sugar testing helps your healthcare team assess how effective a type 2 diabetes treatment plan is and provides data for making necessary adjustments.

For more information, please go to Diabetes Health Center from WebMD.