Clay County Hospital – Flora – Diabetes mellitus (MEL-ih-tus), or simply, diabetes, is a group of diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body’s ability to produce and/or use insulin.
Are you at risk for diabetes? Have you been diagnosed with prediabetes? Take the Test that details if you might be at risk to becoming diabetic: doihavePreDiabetes.org
Prevent T2 Program
Have you ever been given a list of “eat this, not that?” Have you found that making drastic changes at once are unsustainable and don’t work for you long-term? Perhaps a friend of yours lost a bunch of weight on one particular diet, but when you tried it, the results were minimal at best? That’s where health coaches come in. We help you implement small changes, little by little, at a pace that’s comfortable for you so you can meet all your health goals. We work with you to help you discover your bio-individuality. There is something that will work for you – the trick is finding it. Whether your goal is to lose weight, increase energy or just get healthy, health coaches take the time to listen to your concerns, help you discover where and why you are struggling, and help you navigate the world of contradictory nutritional advice to figure out exactly what works for your body.
The Prevent T2 Program is a group-facilitated class where we become your accountability partner. Our goal is to build relationships and provide a safe atmosphere while helping you cultivate your individual wellness, giving you the tools and the motivation to reach your goals.
Our diabetic educator meets with people on an individual or group basis, whatever works best for the patient. The educator will address the challenges of living with diabetes and offers advice. Young adult or elderly, anyone qualifies to participate in this program.
Diabetes Support Group
Clay County Hospital offers a free and open Diabetes Support Group on the last Wednesday of each month, starting at noon. These meetings are held in the hospital conference room.
Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
Clay County Hospital has an American Diabetes Association recognized diabetes self-management education program located at the Clay County Hospital Medical Clinic in Flora. This program is available to teach you how to manage your diabetes, understand how diabetes works, and helps with different kinds of diabetes medicines, such as insulin starts. Because this is an ADA recognized program, Medicare and private insurances can be billed. Financial assistance forms are also available to those who qualify or are in need.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 – Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Only 5-10% of people with diabetes have this form of the disease. With the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children with type 1 diabetes can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.
Type 2 – diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
Gestational Diabetes – During pregnancy — usually at around 28 weeks or later — many women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels while you’re planning your pregnancy, so you and your baby both remain healthy.
Contact Information – The Diabetic Education Office is located in the Clay County Hospital Medical Clinic in Flora and is open Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 5 pm.
Phone: (618) 662-2131
Diabetes Support Group Schedule – Diabetes Support Group Schedule – We always meet on the last Wednesday of the month for the support group, located in the Clay County Hospital’s Conference Room at noon.
Please call 662-2131 with any diabetes education questions. These support group meetings are FREE and OPEN to the public.
Article by: Clay County Hospital – Flora