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!!!

Am I at Risk?

Take Our on-line Risk Assessment by clicking here .