National Diabetes Fact Sheet

The 2011, National Diabetes Fact Sheet is out from the Center for Disease Control. The fact sheet noted that diabetes currently affects 25.8 million people or 8.3% of the U.S. Population. There are 18.8 million people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 7 million people who are undiagnosed. Among U.S. residents aged 65 years or older, 10.9 million or 26.9% of the population had diabetes in 2010. About 1.9 million people aged 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumtic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States . Diabetes is a major cause of heart attack and stroke.

Working together, individuals with diabetes, their support network, and their healthcare providers can reduce the rate of diabetes complications. This can be accomplished by controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipids, and by receiving preventive care screening and tests.

Another way to control blood glucose and reduce the risk for complications is by attending Diabetic Group Classes. Wayne HealthCare Diabetes Education Program offers group classes each month. These classes are provided in the morning, afternoon, and evening on alternating months to meet your schedule. The classes will help you learn more about diabetes and ways to improve your health.

The classes are provided in a series of four classes. The next series of classes will be offered on March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Wayne HealthCare. The cost to attend is $10 per class. Registration is required so please contact the Certified Diabetes Educator at 937-547-5750. If you are unable to attend the classes in March, please contact the Diabetes Educator for future dates and times.

You can also attend individual education regarding Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), in which you will learn more about using your meter, diabetic medications, diabetes, complications, and controlling your blood sugar.

You can also attend Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) and learn that by planning and moderation your individualized meal plan can fit into your lifestyle. If you are receiving Medicare, this service is covered 100% by Medicare if provided by a registered dietitian.