Learn the risk factors for diabetes

Did you know that your risk for diabetes increases as you age, gain too much weight, or if you do not stay active? Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes include:

• Having high blood pressure (at or above 130/80)
• High cholesterol
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals over the age of 45 be screened for Type 2 Diabetes every three years. Testing should be considered at an earlier age or performed more frequently in those who are overweight and have additional diabetes risk factors present.

CMH is committed to those with diabetes and the people who care for them

Our Diabetes Education Program provides education to all people with diabetes –Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, or Pre-diabetes. Educational sessions promote self-management, positive outcomes, and ongoing support for diabetics and their loved ones.

Both individual and group sessions are available and are based upon the American Diabetes Association (ADA) standard of care and the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) Guidelines.

Diabetes Education sessions/classes are for anyone who feels they need more education in order to better control their disease. Participants do not need to have a new diagnosis of diabetes to attend educational classes, just a doctor’s referral. The costs of these sessions are covered by Medicare part B and Medicaid as well as most third party insurances. Check with your insurance company about coverage.

Diabetes Education sessions are taught by Certified Diabetes Educators, which includes a registered nurse and registered dietitian.

How CMH’s Diabetes Education program works

The goal of our diabetes education program is to empower patients and their loved ones by teaching them the skills they need to successfully manage their own diabetes care.

By attending the program you will learn:

• Basic facts about diabetes
• How to live with diabetes
• Blood sugar monitoring and evaluation of the results
• Hypoglycemia—including symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
• Preventing long-term complications
  Treatment options—including medication options and insulin therapy
• Sick day management
• Stress management and coping
• Traveling with diabetes
• Nutrition and meal planning
• Nutrition label reading and carbohydrate counting
• Physical activity and its value
• Beyond the basics—insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), and injection devices. CMH offers an insulin pump certified program and CGMS to individuals in need.

Diabetes can be managed with appropriate meal plans, regular exercise, and if necessary, medication. Our supportive team of certified Diabetes Educators will teach you management skills and motivational strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes.