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DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM
WE HAVE A REGISTERED DIETICIAN AND A DIABETES EDUCATOR TO PROVIDE YOU EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million U.S. adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a condition that results in high blood sugar (blood glucose) levels. While it is important for all of us to eat healthy and be active, it’s even more important for individuals who have diabetes.
Through our American Diabetes Association Recognized Program, we offer self-management education to promote the best in diabetes prevention and care in Murray County. We are here to counsel, guide and support you in this life adjustment and get you back on track to living well with diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES VS. TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It is most common in children and young adults and occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone your body’s cells use to convert sugar (glucose) into energy. When the pancreas stops producing insulin, your cells are not getting the glucose they need for energy and your blood sugars are too high. People diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive.
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Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is more common of the two types and occurs when your body is not using insulin correctly which is known as insulin resistance. Over time, the pancreas cannot keep up the production demands for insulin and maintain normal blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled with self-management and lifestyle changes (nutrition and exercise), but often also requires medication.
COMMON DIABETES SYMPTOMS
If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care provider for a routine check-up to rule out Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes:
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Hunger
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Fatigue/overtired
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Urinating more often
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Thirsty
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Dry mouth
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Itchy skin
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Blurred vision
DIABETES EDUCATION MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT
If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, our diabetes education team is here to educate you about diabetes and provide you self-management tools and strategies, a nutrition program, exercise plan and support to live life to the fullest and be in control of your diabetes.
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Nutrition/Meal Planning
Nutrition and exercise are key to a living a healthy life, and even more critical when you have diabetes. A healthy meal plan and physical activity can help you manage your blood glucose level and keep it within a normal range. Our diabetes education team will work with you to create a diabetes meal plan that includes a variety of healthy foods, portions and your favorites that fits your needs and cravings!
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Medication/Insulin
Every person who has diabetes has their own unique journey and program to set them up for success. You may be able to manage your diabetes with nutrition and exercise alone, but when you can’t, insulin may be prescribed for diabetes management. Insulin can be given, by injection or by a pump. With all forms of insulin medication, we always review and make adjustments to your nutrition, exercise and medications to maintain the best control of your diabetes so you can live your life to the fullest.
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Being Active
By making little tweaks to your lifestyle with nutrition and exercise that reduce your weight by 5-7%, you can bring your blood sugar down to a healthy range!
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Healthy Coping and Self Care Strategies
Life is stressful. There are all kinds of little and big life scenarios that make managing life and diabetes challenging. It’s critical to find positive and healthy ways to cope with stress so you don’t turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, little to no activity or bad eating habits. Your diabetes education team here will provide you with healthy ways to cope with stress from seeking support, to incorporating some activity into your everyday life to positive thinking.
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Monitoring Blood Sugar
Blood sugar monitoring is vital for all diabetics so they are aware of and in tune with their body, along with how lifestyle choices and medication are impacting sugar levels throughout the day. All of our patients receive a complimentary meter for testing blood sugars at home.
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