Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Report Sheds Light on Diabetes in Our Area

There are nearly 60,000 people in the Utica/Rome/North Country region affected by diabetes.  A new Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield report is shedding new light on those in our area living with diabetes.  Dr. Frank Dubeck of Excellus says our area scored fairly well in the new study.  The study is based off a patient survey, revealing what health practices they follow.  Dubeck says although our area scored fairly well in treating their disease he says our area needs to work on exercising more and needs to stop smoking.  Dubeck emphasizes that diabetes is a disease that doctors can advise their patients about, but it's the patient that treats it.  "There is good evidence that by following certain health practices, you can prevent, or at least decrease the likelihood of developing some of these complications," Dubeck said.  He says diabetes is a leading cause of heart attacks, blindness, stroke, among many other health issues.  And for those who don't take proper care of themselves, he says they'll be forced to pay for and deal with health consequences that could be avoidable.