Diabetes Education
Fort HealthCare Diabetes Education Program
Through a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals knowledgeable in all aspects of diabetes care, the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is an excellent way to:
- Learn healthy food choices.
- Learn about managing diabetes.
- Learn more about diabetes.
Fort HealthCare’s Diabetes Education Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, assuring that you receive the best, most up-to-date diabetes management information.
Fort HealthCare Diabetes Education classes are presented through group and individual sessions, and educational information is also shared through ongoing support and outreach through free monthly presentations of the Diabetes Education Series offered at Fort Memorial Hospital. The Diabetes Education Series welcomes anyone to attend, whether you or a family member or friend is affected by diabetes, or just for interested parties.
Talk with your physician about attending the Fort HealthCare Diabetes Education Series. For more information, contact the Diabetes Educator at (920) 568-5247, or via email at rhonda.perdelwitz@forthc.com or debbie.scullin@forthc.com.
What is Diabetes?
Virtually all food a person eats is converted into glucose before it enters the blood stream. With the help of insulin produced by the pancreas, glucose is taken into cells to be used as energy.
Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas becomes unable to produce insulin because the immune system destroyed the beta cells of the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes, representing 90 to 95 percent of all cases, is typically caused by a decrease in insulin production, and the cells becoming less efficient at using insulin (insulin resistance). Although the pancreas continues to produce insulin, it is not enough to keep blood glucose levels in check. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to be inherited than type 1. Risk factors include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (diabetes) that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones can block insulin from doing its job. When this happens, glucose levels may increase in a pregnant woman's blood.
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar level is above normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes.
