November 2024 Resident of the Month – Ashley McCullough, MD

Dr. Ashley McCullough is currently a second year Family Medicine resident at the Washington Health System. She grew up in a suburb of Houston, TX. She attended Baylor University in Waco, TX studying Biology and Biochemistry. Afterwards, she enrolled in the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School in Texas before finding her place in Washington, PA to begin her Residency. When she isn't studying, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as playing soccer and reading in her spare time.

Diabetes Awareness

With November being Diabetes Awareness month, it's a good reminder for us to understand and recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate diabetes. Approximately 12% of the US population has diabetes, and 23% of those with diabetes are undiagnosed. The following are common symptoms of diabetes:
- Urinating often or more frequently
- Feeling more thirsty
- Feeling more hungry, even if you are eating more
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts and bruises are slower to heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness, tingling, or pain of the hands and/or feet

Sometimes these symptoms can be so mild that they are difficult to notice. Having one or more of these symptoms may also be an indication of prediabetes - when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to meet the diagnosis for diabetes. A diagnosis of prediabetes does not necessarily mean that you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes, especially if you make recommended changes to your lifestyle including eating habits and physical activity.

Your family doctor can help answer any questions or concerns you have about diabetes, as well as discuss ways to limit your risk for developing diabetes. Washington Health System has an integrated interdisciplinary team to help with prevention as well as treatment. A healthy lifestyle and advice from your family physician can help you be as healthy as you can be and learn what to look for to possibly help you or a loved one to get the care they need.