November is American Diabetes Month

Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at risk. At HealthEast Care System, we're committed to diabetes prevention. This November, HealthEast Clinics are also launching a new initiative devoted to improving care for our patients with diabetes. Keep reading to learn more about how our dedication can benefit you.

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of the way your body uses food for energy. Normally, the food you eat is digested and broken down into blood sugar. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move the glucose into cells, where your body uses it for fuel. If you have diabetes, the pancreas doesn't make insulin, and blood sugar levels become
too high.

There are two main types of diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin. People with type 2 diabetes can produce insulin, but their cells don't respond to it. Type 2, which accounts for 95% of diabetes cases, usually occurs in adults over 35; however, with the recent rise in childhood obesity, it affects children now as well.

Prevent Diabetes
Here are some things you can do to prevent diabetes.

  • Control your weight: Excess weight is the single most important cause of type 2 diabetes.
  • Get moving: Inactivity promotes type 2 diabetes. Working your muscles more intensely and more often improves their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose.
  • Tune up your diet: Choose whole grains over highly processed carbohydrates, and choose good fats instead of bad fats.
  • Quit smoking: Smokers are 50 to 90% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers.
Manage Diabetes
If you have diabetes, HealthEast focuses on the "D5" – a set of five treatment goals from MN Community Measurement that are considered the gold standard in diabetes care. Learn more about these goals on its web site: theD5.org. We
also offer:

  • Certified diabetes educators who will help you understand your condition and develop a personalized diabetes management plan.
  • Podiatry Care; diabetes can have devastating effects on your feet, including loss of sensation and poor circulation. In addition to routine foot care for patients with diabetes, our podiatrists offer diabetic footwear, nerve assessments and corrective surgery, if necessary, to care for your feet.
Learn more about HealthEast Diabetes Care.

Each year, HealthEast Care System holds an annual event, the Festival of Trees, to benefit HealthEast services. The festival features stylish events with uniquely and beautifully decorated trees that are auctioned off during the events. This year, all proceeds go to HealthEast Diabetes Care.

Learn more about this year's Festival of Trees.
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This publication does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional. © 2007 HealthEast Care System
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