Diabetes Services

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Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease where blood glucose levels are too high. Glucose is the main energy source for your body, but too much can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. In the United States, more than 38 million people of all ages have diabetes – about 1 in 10. Another 98 million adults have prediabetes – more than 1 in 3. However, awareness of the disease is surprisingly low. 20% of adults are not aware they have diabetes and another 80% are not aware they have prediabetes. A Report Card: Diabetes in the United States Infographic. Source: CDC.

There are multiple types of diabetes. Learn more about the various types of diabetes and whether you should get screened in the sections below.

Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing little to no insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin. This type accounts for about 6% of all diabetes cases.

Type 2 Diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin properly, either due to insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar. Risk factors include age, family history, being overweight, high blood pressure and low activity levels. This type accounts for about 91% of all diabetes cases.

Should I get screened?

Talk to your provider if you have any of these symptoms:

Blurry vision
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Numb or tingling hands or feet

Prediabetes

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes puts you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, being more active and quitting tobacco.

Should I get screened?

Talk to your provider about getting tested if you are between 35 to 70 years of age and have any of these risk factors:

Overweight
Low activity level
History of smoking
Family history of diabetes
History of high blood pressure
History of gestational diabetes

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy and often goes away after the baby is born. However, managing the disease during gestation is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Each year, 5% to 9% of all U.S. pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes happens when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin during pregnancy. Hormone changes and weight gain can lead to insulin resistance. There are often no symptoms, so testing is essential. If you’ve had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Should I get screened?

All women should be screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have any of the following risk factors, your medical provider may recommend earlier testing:

Diagnosed with gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy
Gave birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds
Are overweight
Have a family history of type 2 diabetes Have polycystic ovary syndrome
Are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Take Control

Being diagnosed with diabetes, gestational or prediabetes can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your risk and, if you already have diabetes, manage your condition while leading a healthy, active and full life. Take control of the diagnosis by meeting with a diabetes care and education specialist for some diabetes self-management guidance. This support can help you learn to live well with diabetes.

What is Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES)?

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) offers individuals the tools, knowledge and skills they need to confidently manage their diabetes. DSMES is designed to help people understand how to make choices that support their health and fit their lifestyle.

The education services offered through the SEARHC diabetes team have been recognized as meeting the national standards for diabetes self-management education. This recognition of the DSMES program from the American Diabetes Association through the State of Alaska, highlights the high-quality education services being provided to patients in southeast Alaska. DSMES services are delivered by a team of health professionals providing individualized and personalized diabetes care and management.

DSMES can be provided either in-person, virtually or in a group setting.

DSMES is recommended:

At diagnosis

At least once a year

When complicating factors arise (changes in your physical, financial, emotional wellbeing, etc.)

When transitions in care occur (new insurance, new living situation, starting a new medication, etc.)

DSMES topics focuses on:

Understanding diabetes

Healthy coping

Healthy eating

Being active

Taking medication

Active monitoring

Reducing risks

Problem solving

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call: 907.463.0400.

See our American Diabetes Association Certificate of Recognition.

View Certificate