Beech Tree News Network

Of the people living in Butler County, 8.1%  have been diagnosed with diabetes, The Barren River District Health Department’s diabetes program, the Diabetes Center of Excellence (DCOE), wants to help people with diabetes and their family members learn how to manage their condition.

Diabetes is a condition in which the body no longer produces enough insulin, or the body stops responding to the insulin that is produced.  This causes sugar levels in the blood to rise, leading to symptoms such as increased urination, extreme thirst, and fatigue or tiredness.  Treatment includes changes in diet, medications, and in some cases, daily insulin shots.  Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes serious health problems including kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and blindness.

As many as one half of the people with diabetes don’t even know they have it.  Risk factors for developing diabetes include a family history of the disease, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and being of certain ethnic backgrounds such as African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander American.  For women, being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or delivering a baby that weighed over 9 pounds increases the risk of developing diabetes.

The DCOE staff consists of two Registered Nurses, one of whom is a Certified Diabetes Educator, a Registered Dietitian, and a Health Educator.  Two other Registered Dietitians provide nutrition counseling at the Butler County Health Department every month.

DCOE staff travels to Butler County on a regular basis to offer diabetes self-management classes, support groups, and other activities.  Anyone interested in diabetes, whether or not they have diabetes themselves, is invited to attend these events free of charge.

“Studies prove that people with diabetes who take diabetes classes spend less time in the hospital, have better blood sugar control, lower medical bills, and receive better health care”, says Christine Hanshaw, RN, Certified Diabetes Educator with the Diabetes Center of Excellence.  “Diabetes classes can add years to your life and life to your years.”

The DCOE will offer a free ABC’s of Diabetes at the Butler County Public Library from 9 – 11 AM on April 12th  and April 19th .  Participants will learn all the basic information they need to manage their condition:  what diabetes is, high and low blood sugar - causes and treatment, healthy eating and monitoring blood sugar.     To register for this two session series, call toll-free at 1-877-641-5822, ext. 119.

The DCOE knows that managing diabetes is not easy but it is possible, and it is worth it.  Learning about diabetes and getting routine care can help people with diabetes to live longer, healthier lives.