Mission Statement

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not make or use insulin properly. Diabetes results in high blood sugar. If uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to complications. Serious complications from diabetes include: heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation. The risk of complications from diabetes can be reduced with proper health management.

There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 and Type 2. Pregnant women can also develop a form of diabetes known as Gestational Diabetes, which can increase the chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life.

 Complications:

There are several medical complications and conditions associated with diabetes. Poorly controlled blood sugar can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes, brain, feet, skin, teeth, nervous system, and the cardiovascular system. The key to preventing or decreasing complications associated with diabetes is to practice good self management. This includes following your physicians recommendations, following and appropriate eating plan, participating in regular physical activity, taking your prescribed medications, and monitoring your blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Facts You Should Know!

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, and amputations. 

• Nationally 8.7% or around 20 million people in the United States have diabetes.

• It kills almost 210,000 people nationwide each year.

• Approximately 277,143 people in Maryland have Diabetes

• 14.3% of people in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties of Maryland have diabetes. Almost double the U.S. rate of 8.7%!

• Nearly one third (33%) of all people with diabetes don't know they have it!

• 41 million people in the United States have a condition known as pre-diabetes resulting in a higher risk for circulation problems known as cardiovascular disease.

• Individuals with diabetes are 2 to 4 more times more likely to suffer a heart attack.

Symptoms:

Some people with diabetes exhibit symptoms and some do not. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider:

• Extreme thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

Pre-Diabetes:

• Blood sugar levels higher than normal but not as high as Type 2 diabetes.

• People at risk are often overweight, not physically active, and have a family history of diabetes.

• People with pre-diabetes are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

• Lifestyle changes and disease management can help reduce your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes (90-95%)

• The body makes some insulin but does not use the insulin properly.

• Most people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Type 1 Diabetes

• The body makes very little or no insulin.

• Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes occurs in 5-10% of all people with diabetes.

Can Diabetes Be Prevented?

Studies have shown that people with pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes by 58%. Changes in lifestyle can help. These lifestyle changes include but not limited to:

• Modest weight loss (by 5-10%)

• Regular exercise or physical activity (30 minutes daily) at least 5 days a week.

Getting started today in these areas can help elevated blood sugar levels to normal.

Eat Healthy And Be Active Today!!!

The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 24 million adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes. If you are one of those, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be to maintain your blood glucose and adjust to your new lifestyle. Locally, there are many programs to help you with your diabetes management including medications, diabetes supplies, meal planning, physical activity and more. Here is a brief overview of the programs for the three lower Eastern Shore counties.

SOMERSET:
• Free Diabetes Clinic at the Somerset County Health Department for county residents age 18 and over. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing and diabetes education management assistance by a registered dietician and diabetes educator consultant. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-523-1760.
• Diabetes Education Program at McCready Health Foundation. Comprehensive program recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Includes monthly sessions and 4-week group sessions for diabetics and their families. Taught by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. While there is a fee for the program, it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-968-1200, x3349.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at McCready Health Foundation meets monthly. Call 410-968-1200 for details.

WICOMICO:
• Diabetes Self Management and Medication Nutrition Therapy Education at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. Meal planning, individualized instruction on medications and blood glucose monitoring are available. The program is recognized by the ADA. Day and evening sessions are available. A doctor’s referral is required. There is a fee for the program and it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly. Speakers on a variety of topics. Light refreshments are offered. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Pump Club at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly prior to the Support Group. Call 410-543-7061.
• Diabetes Kids Support Program at Peninsula Regional Medical Center provides mentoring support. Call 410-749-0085.
• Apple Discount Drugs, Fruitland, Maryland offers free meter instruction education and basic diabetes management information. Call 410-749-8401.
• Peninsula Diabetes Center affiliated with Peninsula Cardiology Associates provides individualized, quality education and disease management programs and services to all adults with diabetes. Director Caroline Mansy is a nurse practitioner and certified diabetic educator. Educational sessions, insulin pump management, cardiac risk assessment and prevention, and general disease medical management are available. Call 410-543-8240.
WORCESTER:
• Free Diabetes Clinic for county residents age 18 and over at Atlantic General Hospital. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing, management of diabetes. Educational assistance by a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-641-9703.
• Diabetes Education Program at Atlantic General Hospital. ADA recognized comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician for persons with diabetes and their families. There is a fee for the program. Call 410-641-9073.
• Free Diabetes Self-Management Education program. Locations in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Team taught by staff from Atlantic General Hospital and the Worcester County Health Department including a certified diabetes educator, registered dietician, and certified exercise specialist. Six sessions. Call 410-632-1100, x1102
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Atlantic General Hospital meets monthly in Ocean Pines and Berlin. Call 410-641-9703
• Free Diabetes Support Group sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department meets monthly in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Call 410-632-1100, x1102.
• Free Diabetes Prevention Program - Lifestyle Balance. A nutrition and physical activity behavior change program sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department. Program meets 3 days/week for 16-weeks. Led by an exercise specialist and registered dietician. Incentives, education and lifestyle coaching. Call 410-632-0056.

Am I at Risk?

Take Our on-line Risk Assessment by clicking here .