Diabetes Care

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According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 37 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes. The specially trained staff at Dupont Hospital offer life-changing care and guide patients to a healthier way of life.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas. Insulin is needed to turn glucose (sugar) and other food into energy. Sugar buildup in the bloodstream can damage the body's organs. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Blurred vision
• Excessive thirst

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's insulin-producing cells are destroyed. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but is typically diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for the most diagnosed diabetes cases. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with:

• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of diabetes
• History of gestational diabetes
• Race and ethnicity

Gestational diabetes affects approximately 9 percent of all pregnant women. Women who had gestational diabetes have a 35 to 60 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 to 20 years after pregnancy. Their children are also at a higher risk for diabetes.

Diabetes Education

Dupont Hospital offers individual and group classes to teach patients how to control their diabetes. Classes cover:

• Treatment plans
• Everyday management
• Blood-sugar testing
• Dealing with complications
• High and low blood-sugar reactions
• Physical activity
• Meal planning/grocery shopping

Dupont Hospital offers prediabetes education classes to help patients learn how to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. These classes are taught by a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. Topics include:

• Diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes
• Symptoms and treatment of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
• Weight management
• Grocery shopping/label reading

Plant-based Nutrition Education

Dupont Hospital offers plant-based nutrition education classes as part of the diabetes/pre-diabetes education programs. In addition to learning more about managing diabetes or pre-diabetes, you will learn the fundamentals of following a plant-based diet for glucose control, weight management, blood pressure control and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers. Topics for this class include:

• Basics of following a plant-based eating pattern
• Types of plant-based eating patterns
• Meeting nutritional needs with this eating pattern
• Controlling diabetes or pre-diabetes with plant-based meals and snacks
• Resources available for managing diabetes and following a plant-based eating pattern

For further information about Dupont Hospital's diabetes education services, please call (260) 416-3255.