Diabetes Management

A Leading Cause of Death and Disability

Nearly 17 million Americans have diabetes. It is the 6th leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. and is associated with long-term complications that can cause blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, amputations, nerve damage and birth defects.

Research has shown that lowering blood glucose levels to near-normal range decreases the risk of the development and progression of diabetic complications by 40% to 75%.

So, blood glucose control can help you avoid complications. If you already have complications, learning to control your blood glucose could help you limit the progression of existing problems. In summary, “control” matters.

But, controlling your blood glucose can be a complicated matter. Blood glucose changes constantly and it is influenced by a host of factors such as your choice of food and how much you eat, the timing of your medication or insulin , your emotions, illnesses, your weight, and your body’s resistance to insulin . Tight control is best achieved by working with your health care team. Your physician and diabetes education team can teach you how to take charge of your diabetes.

Helpful links

Click on these links to learn more about diabetes care:

• American Diabetes Association
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

For more information

To talk to the Elkhart General Diabetes Program Coordinator, please call (574) 296-6555.

• Resources at Elkhart General
  
• Diabetes Risk Assessment
  Take this simple test, developed by the American Diabetes Association, to see if you are at risk for having or developing type 2 diabetes.