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Managing
Diabetes |
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Approximately six percent of the population in
Bucks County has diabetes, with
complications of diabetes being among the leading causes for
hospitalizations. Unfortunately nearly a third of people with diabetes
remain undiagnosed until they develop a life-threatening complication,
such as blindness, kidney disease, stroke, heart disease or limb
amputation. Diabetes is also the leading cause of death by disease in
Pennslyvania.
Warning signs of diabetes include frequent urination,
extreme thirst, unusual weight gain or loss, fatigue, irritability,
frequent and reoccurring infections, blurred vision, or slow-healing cuts
and bruises. People with Type 2, or adult onset, diabetes often experience
no early symptoms.
Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, more than 90 percent of
diabetes cases, include people over age 45, a family history of diabetes,
overweight, no exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and
certain ethnic groups, especially African-Americans, Hispanic, Native
Americans and Asian. People with diabetes can reduce the risk of
complications by learning the skills necessary to control blood-glucose
levels.
Regular checkups and patient education are factors vital
to good health.
See Diabetes -
At Risk: Warnings Signs and Risk Factors
Last year, more than 200 people attended
six-week blood-sugar management courses offered though our Diabetes
Center, and educational services were provided to more than 100 inpatients
and through more than 100 individual consultations.
The Diabetes Education Center offers a
comprehensive program, which can coordinate with additional services at
St. Mary Medical Center, such as the Wound Healing Center, Cardio-Pulmonary
Rehabilitation, Community Education programs and the Wellness Center
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Call 215-710-5812 for class schedule and
information.
Diabetes and You
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Diabetes and You is a
five-week course on blood-sugar management taught by Certified
Diabetes Educators and Diabetes
Specialists |
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With proper blood-sugar management,
many of the medical complications caused by diabetes can be
avoid. |
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While diabetes cannot be prevented, with
proper care, most cases can be successfully managed. The team of experts
at St. Mary can show you the techniques to best maintain your health and
avoid complications of diabetes. Topics covered in Diabetes and You classes include
- Adjusting your lifestyle
- Stress management
- Meal planning
- The importance of exercise
- How to take medications
- Self-monitoring for blood glucose
- Community
resources
Convenient day or evening sessions for the
classes are offered. In addition, diabetes educators can help in
developing individualized care plans
Classes
for Diabetes and You are held in the Diabetes Education Center, located in the
former Neshaminy Middle School, directly across the street from the St.
Mary campus. Convenient parking is available. There is a fee to attend (insurance reimbursement may apply),
and registration is required. For a schedule of classes or to register,
call the Diabetes Education Center at 215-710-5812
Additional
programs offered at the St. Mary Diabetes Education
Center
- Blood-sugar management during
pregnancy
- Insulin pump initiation and training
- In-patient Consultations
- Programs for pediatric patients (Type
1 Diabetes), and their families
For your
information:
Diabetes Recipes.
Looking for recipes
which are geared for people with Diabetes? Check the American Diabetes
Association website for great recipes! http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/recipes/
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