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Diabetes Education Service
Diabetes Support Group
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or the insulin cannot work correctly.
The main types of diabetes are:
 Type 1 - occurs when the pancreas (an organ in the body) stops making insulin.
Type 2 - occurs when the pancreas makes the insulin, but the body has difficulty using the insulin to move the sugar from the blood into the body tissue.
Who Gets Diabetes?
Anyone can get diabetes. If you have one or more of the following, you are at increased risk:
Over 40 years of age
Overweight
Family history of diabetes
Had a baby weighing over 9 lbs.
Diabetes during pregnancy
High Blood Pressure
Stress of an illness/injury
African American, Hispanic American or Native American
What are the Signs of Diabetes?
Some people have diabetes and have no signs that they are aware of. That is why it is important to be tested for diabetes if you are over 40 years of age.
Most common signs are:
Increased Thirst
Increases Urination
Increased Hunger
Feeling very tired
Unexplained weight loss
Frequent Infections
Blurred Vision
Dry/Itchy Skin
Numbness, tingling or persistent pain in hands or feet
Can Diabetes Harm You?
Diabetes is a very serious, lifelong disease. Diabetes causes your blood sugar level to be to high. Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm your nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels. It can cause loss of vision, gum disease, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, loss of toes or feet and sexual dysfunction.
The Good News....
There is a lot you can do to stay healthy. Research shows that if you keep your blood sugar under good control, you may prevent or delay these serious health problems.
Jersey Community Hospital is aware of the importance of helping people with diabetes stay healthy. This is why we have introduced the "Diabetes Education Service".
What Does the Diabetes Service Do?
The most important thing this service does is help people with diabetes get their blood sugars in good control.
How?
A registered nurse who is also a Certified Diabetic Educator, will work with you and your physician to establish a diabetes plan that suits your lifestyle.
How Do I Start?
Ask your physician about the program or call Jersey Community Hospital at 618-498-8465.
What about Costs?
This service is covered by most insurance companies.
JCH Diabetes Service covers the following areas....
General facts about diabetes
Stress and diabetes
Diabetes nutrition therapy
Exercise plan
Medication administration therapy
Balancing meals, exercise and medication
Self blood sugar monitoring
Recognition of high and low blood sugar, causes, prevention and treatment.
Handling sick days
Hygiene (mouth, skin, feet)
Sexual dysfunction
Community resources, support groups and diabetes organizations
Family involvement
Additional Information
If you would like more information on diabetes, log onto www.cynthiabarrettcde.com or E-mail at Cynthia Barrett at cbarrett@jch.org
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