Many patients with diabetes come to Providence Diabetes Learning Center where they are taught to live with and manage their disease. Skilled educators instruct patients in a supportive group setting about nutrition, blood sugar management and lifestyle choice.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot correctly metabolize food to produce energy.
When Your Body Works Correctly
Your food converts into glucose (sugar) in the blood and the blood sugar level increases. This signals the pancreas to make insulin, which then helps the sugar leave the bloodstream and enter the cells that need it for energy. So, insulin is a key that opens the doors to your cells.
When You Have Diabetes
Your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin isn't working correctly. The sugar cannot get into the cells, so the blood sugar level keeps increasing.
Type 1 Diabetes: No insulin is being produced and insulin shots are required daily. It is most common in children or young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes: Some insulin is produced but may not be enough or is not working right. Diet and exercise are very important to help control the blood sugars but often oral medication is needed as well. It is most common in adults who are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes. Ninety-five percent of people with diabetes have this type.
Common Signs of Diabetes
· Increased thirst, hunger, and urination
· Weight changes
· Vision changes
· Dry, itchy skin
· Tiredness/fatigue
· Slow healing of cuts and sores
· Frequent infections, especially bladder and yeast infections
· Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Providence Diabetes Learning Center is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a program of excellence.
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