Diabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose (sugar) level is too high.  The body usually gets the energy it needs from the sugar (glucose) in the food eaten.  Having diabetes means the body is not able to use the sugar in the blood properly.  As a result, the blood sugar builds up in the blood, and the body does not have enough energy to work. 

Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is often called “juvenile onset” diabetes, although it can be diagnosed in adults, as well.  With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas (a gland behind the stomach) makes little or no insulin, which is needed to help the cells use blood sugar.  People who have type 1 diabetes need daily insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. 

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is often called “adult onset” diabetes, although its incidence is becoming increasingly common in children.  With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes some insulin, but it does not make enough or the cells do not use the insulin properly.  Some people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood sugar with diet and exercise.  Others need oral medication and/or insulin injections to control the blood sugar. 

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Increased thirst (dry mouth)
• Hunger
• Blurred vision
• Stomach pain, vomiting
• Extreme tiredness or drowsiness
• Weight loss (without trying to lose)
• Pain, numbness or tingling in the feet
• Sexual problems
• Possibly no early symptoms with type 2 diabetes

Type 1

• You need to have at least one daily injection of insulin. 

Type 2

• You may need one, two or three different pills – each works a different way. 
• You may or may not need insulin. 
• You may not need medication. 
• A separate appointment may be made for medication instructions. 

• You will learn how to check your blood glucose level with a glucose meter. 
• You need to check your blood sugar to tell how your body is responding to food, exercise, and medication. 

• Before meals: 70-130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after meals: 100-140 mg/dL
• At bedtime: 100-140 mg/dL
• HgA1c below 7 percent to prevent long-term complications

Symptoms occur quickly:

• Nervous, shaky, sweaty, irritable, dizzy, hungry, slurred speech, and weakness

Causes

• Skipping or delaying meals or snacks
• Too much medicine
• Too much exercise or activity without enough food

Treatment

• Check your blood sugar if possible. 
• Eat or drink something such as: one-half glass (4 oz.) of juice, one-half glass (4 oz.) of milk, three to four glucose tablets, one-half cup of regular cola, six to eight hard candies, or a small tube of decorative cake icing. 
• Wait 15 minutes, test your blood sugar again.  If it is still low, eat or drink another snack. 

• Yearly exam – you should have:


• An eye exam
• A flu vaccine
• Urine test for albumin (protein)
• Foot exam


• Twice yearly – you should:


• See a dentist
• Have an HgA1c blood test (this gives the doctor an overall average of how your blood sugar levels have been running)


• Every diabetes visit, your doctor will:


• Check your blood pressure (less than 130/80 for patients with diabetes)
• Check your weight and feet
• Review your blood sugars


• Do not smoke


• Ask your doctor if you should:


• Take aspirin every day
• Take any other medications


• Check your feet daily


• See your doctor for any open areas, signs of infection (redness, swelling, hot feeling), change in color or temperature


• Do not cut corns or calluses


• Do not apply heat to feet


• Do not go barefoot


• Wear clean, soft socks

Diabetes Self-Management Training

It is imperative for patients with diabetes to learn how to achieve and maintain good blood glucose control.  LMH offers two ways for patients with diabetes to learn more about managing their disease:

Diabetes Self-Management Classes

These classes, approved by the American Diabetes Association, teach patients how to care for themselves on a daily basis.  Topics include:

• How to eat properly
• Medication management
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Importance of activity
• Problem solving
• Reducing risks of diabetes complications
• Living with diabetes

Personalized Dietitian Counseling

The outpatient services with the LMH’s Diabetes Education Program has two dietitians. 

How are nutrition services or diabetes classes obtained?

Your physician may refer you to the program, or you can schedule your appointment through LMH Central Scheduling at (740) 348-4722.  You must have your physician provide an order for the classes and nutritional counseling. 

When are the dietitians and diabetes classes available?

The initial appointment with the dietitian is made by appointment.  It usually takes approximately 1-1½ hours for the nutrition assessment and all required education.  During that visit, you will also be provided with a personalized meal plan.  The classes are offered in a series of four 2-hour classes, which take place weekly on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Wednesdays, at 1:00 p.m., or Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.  For general information about the Diabetes Self-Management classes, please call (740) 348-4915.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment with the dietitian?

If you have questions or if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment or classes, you should call LMH Central Scheduling at (740) 348-4722. 

Is there financial assistance available for the nutrition services and diabetes classes?

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of nutrition services and diabetes classes as long as they were ordered by a physician.  For those who do not have insurance coverage, LMH has financial assistance available upon request by calling the Billing Office at (740) 348-4500 for an application.