Contact Sharon Grass at Point Basse Family Health Center at 883-2782

The American Diabetes Association recognizes this education service as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.

Are you new to diabetes? Is your diabetes out of control? If so, you may want to look into a diabetic self-management program presented by Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital.

The program is intended for the newly-diagnosed diabetic or for the diabetic who has trouble keeping his/her blood sugar under control. Participants will learn about:
• Medications
• Monitoring Blood Sugar
• Lifestyle Adjustments
• Nutrition
• Preventing Complications
• Exercise

Discussions include how diabetes affects the body, changes you can make to help lower your blood sugar, how you can test your own blood sugar to evaluate your progress, and how to avoid complications.

DIABETES WELLNESS EXAMINATION
An assessment will be conducted to determine your current state of wellness. Lifestyle changes will also be discussed.  Assessments to check for complications such as poor circulation, vision problems, wound complications, and other potential health problems will also be completed. The emphasis of risk assessment is to reduce the likelihood of future problems.

COPING WITH CHANGE
Troubled by the thought of having diabetes for the rest of your life? Angry about the changes you will have to make? Trained counselors are available to help you find solutions to life changes and cope with a chronic illness. Assistance with resources and referrals is also available.

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES
Group classes to learn about the management of diabetes are available as ongoing sessions. Some of the topics discussed include nutrition, medications, complications, and how to live healthy with diabetes.

INDIVIDUALIZED COUNSELING
Individualized counseling is available to those with an immediate need for diabetes education on:
• Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Insulin Administration
• Carbohydrate Counting
• Pregnancy and Diabetes
• The Diabetic Diet

EXERCISE COUNSELING
Counseling is available to help you establish an exercise routine to improve your fitness level and ability to manage blood sugars. This customized program is developed in the closely monitored environment of the Community Health Management facility at Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?
People who think they might have diabetes must visit a health care provider for diagnosis. They might have SOME or ALL of the following symptoms:
• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme hunger
• Sudden vision changes
• Very dry skin
• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
• Feeling very tired much of the time
• Sores that are slow to heal
• More infections than usual

Diabetes Management part 2