Preventive care can help save lives, which Melissa, a HouseCalls nurse practitioner, has seen firsthand.
During a HouseCalls visit in Manatee County, Florida, Melissa identified a health issue that had previously gone unnoticed by her patient. Due to the patient’s background, Melissa knew she was predisposed to diabetes. And while the patient seemed to be in great health — eating a healthy diet and exercising frequently — she also hadn’t seen a doctor in over a year.
To take extra precautions, Melissa checked the patient’s A1c, a blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past few months. The results indicated the patient may have a health issue, prompting Melissa to encourage her to see her primary care provider for further testing.
The next time Melissa saw the patient, she was taking diabetes medication to help stabilize her condition.