Diabetes

Diabetes happens when the body is unable to use insulin (a hormone that helps the body break down sugar in food so it can be used as energy) properly. When this happens, glucose accumulates in the blood and over time can cause serious health problems like eye damage and nerve damage in your feet.

What you should do if you have diabetes

Learn how to take care of yourself. more
Enroll in a diabetes education or self-management program. more
Ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a Certified Diabetes Outpatient Educator through the Community Health Network (referral form)
Take a chronic disease self-management class. more

What you should do to prevent diabetes

People who develop Type 2 diabetes often have prediabetes first. This is a stage when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to indicate diabetes. It is still possible to prevent diabetes from developing once you have prediabetes!

To help prevent diabetes:

Enroll in the free or low-cost Healthy for Life Program.
Increase your physical activity. more
Follow a low-fat meal plan and maintain a healthy weight.
If you smoke or use tobacco, get help to quit.
Know your risk score by taking a Risk Assessment quiz.

What we do to help

Connect people with community-based preventive health programs. more
Help with some chronic disease care for women aged 30-64 with gaps in their insurance through the The WiseWoman program.