Diabetes can affect men, women and children. Risk factors that increase your chances of developing diabetes include having a parent or sibling with diabetes, being overweight, being inactive, having a history of gestational diabetes, aging and being a member of certain ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American and Pacific Islander.
The warning signs are not always obvious and many people with diabetes go undiagnosed.
Some of the warning signs of diabetes include:
The American Diabetes Association encourages anyone age 45 or older to get a baseline screening for diabetes. They also encourage screening in people who are younger than 45 but are overweight and exhibiting symptoms of elevated blood glucose.
Managing your diet and activity are crucial components of managing diabetes. Therapy may also include oral medications or insulin along with stress management.
Your family physician can make an accurate diagnosis and help you determine the type of treatment you need.
Attending a certified diabetes self-management education program will also help you take control of diabetes. MRH regularly offers diabetes self-management education classes taught by both a registered nurse/certified diabetes educator (RN/CDE), as well as a registered dietitian (RD).
Some of the benefits of attending diabetes self-management education classes include:
In addition to diabetes self-management classes, MRH offers a monthly diabetes support group as well as periodic “Speaking of Diabetes” seminars.
If you are interested in attending a class or want more information, please call us at the number below.
Marlette Regional Hospital East Campus
Melanie Campbell, RN, CDE
2861 Main St.
Marlette, MI 48453
Phone: 989.635.4348
