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About Diabetes |
Diabetes is a disease that affects both children and adults. Insulin is a necessary hormone the body uses to convert food into usable energy.
With Type I diabetes, the body no longer makes insulin so it must be taken daily as an injection. With Type II diabetes, the body cannot produce enough or effective
insulin. Frequently Type II can be managed with oral medication, diet, and exercise.
Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes
include:
- High blood pressure
- A family history of diabetes
- Having gestational diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Being overweight and leading a fairly inactive lifestyle
Anyone experiencing the following symptoms should be screened for diabetes:
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Increased frequency of urination
- Weight loss and fatigue
- Flu like symptoms
- Confusion
- Fruity or sweet breath odor
If you are concerned about your risk factors or symptoms, contact your physician. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to significant health
problems! Additional information about diabetes can be found at the following links:
Diabetes Alert (English and Spanish)
Are you at risk for Type II diabetes?
Other information about Diabetes
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ADA Certified Diabetes Management & Education programs |
Composed primarily of group appointment sessions. During these sessions, attendees are provided with education and one-on-one communication with
Certified Diabetes Educators, Physician Assistant, and Registered Dietitians.
During group sessions, you will:
- Learn about diabetes
- Recognize low and high blood sugars
- Understand lab tests and results
- Understand the role of exercise
- Learn how to use glucose meters
- Create and follow action plans
- Receive nutritional information and education
- Learn the basics of carbohydrate counting
- Set up individual meal plans
- Learn about diabetes medications
- Understand how to manage sick days
- Be trained in foot care
- Identify complications
- Recognize the impact of stress and emotions
- Understand the relationship between diet/exercise/medications.
Additional sessions are scheduled periodically with a variety of topics and speakers. These include one-on-one time with Educators to
review action plans and personal success.
Classes are offered throughout the month. A physician referral is required to enroll in diabetes management programs. Please call 635-5803
if you are interested, and we will help you get started.
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Other Diabetes Management Services |
Insulin Class:
A class for people who are currently taking or considering insulin use. Different types of insulin, how they work, and insulin delivery methods are discussed.
Cost for the insulin class is $20. A physician referral is not required, but is preferred. Please call 635-5803 to enroll.
In addition to group sessions, the Health Management department offers services including:
- Insulin pump start-up and dose adjustment
- Continuous glucose monitoring
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