|
MORE
ON DIABETES
Diabetes is
a serious, chronic disease in which the body does not make or properly
use insulin. Insulin is the hormone that is needed to convert sugar,
starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life.
When
you have finished reading you will be able to discuss:
· Risk
factors and what can be done to reduce the risk
· Warning
signs
· Health
problems that can be caused by diabetes
· The
importance of education
· Diabetes
programs at Marquette General health System
This page has
been created by the health care professional of Marquette General
Health System to provide you with information about diabetes. We
hope you will find it helpful. For more information visit
the Diabetes Web Site at MGHS.
RISK
FACTORS
Anyone can
get diabetes; you are at higher risk if:
1. You are
over 45
2. You are
overweight
3. You do not
exercise regularly
4. You have
had a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds at birth
5. You are
African American, Finnish American, Hispanic American, or Native
American
Things
you can do to reduce your risk of diabetes:
1. Eat less
fat
2. Exercise
regularly
3. Maintain
a healthy weight
WARNING
SIGNS
You can have
diabetes and not notice any symptoms. If you have any of these warning
signs, contact your doctor.
1. Extreme
thirst
2. Blurry vision
from time to time
3. Frequent
urination
4. Unusual
tiredness or drowsiness
5. Weight loss
you cant explain
If you have
diabetes and do not control it by following you health care team
plan you run the risk of serious health problems with:
· Eyesight
· Use
of feet and legs
· Kidney
problems
· Heart
attacks and strokes
· Repeat
hospital visits
· Sexual
functioning
EDUCATION
Diabetes education
is very important to help you learn how to live a healthy life.
People with diabetes who are educated about their diseases can have
fewer complications. They receive ongoing support and regular check-ups
from their health care team.
Marquette General
Health System offers the following education programs for people
with diabetes and their families:
Individual
assessments and group classes range from 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours
in length.
1. Living Well
with Diabetes- Available weekly, one 3 hour classes
2. Nutrition
Management - Available weekly, 1 1/2 hours
3. Blood Glucose
Monitoring - Available monthly, 2 hour sessions
4. Pattern Management
- Available monthly for oral medications, insulin or insulin pump,
2 hour classes
5. Insulin
Management- Individual sessions for people starting on insulin
Support groups
meet on a regular basis at Marquette General Hospitals conference
center, new people are welcome and encouraged to attend.
ADULT
SUPPORT GROUPS
The group meets
every fourth Wednesday (except December) at the Conference Center.
Education sessions from foot care to new issues in diabetes are
presented.
CHILDRENS
SUPPORT GROUP
The group meets
every fourth Tuesday (except December) at the Conference Center.
This group is designed for children with diabetes and their parents
(families).
Additional information is available through
the MGH Health Information Center
(906) 225-4950 or 1-800-562-9753, ext. 4950
For
more information:
(906)
-225-3473
|