Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the U.S. today,
according to the American Diabetes Association, and another 86 million
people have prediabetes and are at risk for developing the disease.
In fact, recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults
will have diabetes by 2050 unless preventative measures are taken.
November is National Diabetes Month and Humboldt General Hospital is doing
its part to raise diabetes awareness and to promote prevention.
“This disease is so prevalent today,” said HGH Nutrition Services
Director Tiffani Nalivka, “that perhaps we are downplaying the toll
it is taking on the health of our community, our state and our nation.”
Nalivka said diabetes nearly doubles the risk for heart attack and for
death from heart disease. She said it is also the leading cause of kidney
failure, and is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among working-age adults.
Additionally, the rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times
higher than for people without diabetes.
“Every 19 seconds, someone is going to get diagnosed with this disease,”
she said, “so our work is cut out for us.”
Nalivka and HGH Wellness Coordinator Billie Lucero are spearheading several
measures this month aimed at helping prediabetics and diabetics access
the information and help they need to slow the disease’s progression.
Throughout the month of November, Humboldt General Hospital is offering
the A1C Diabetes Screen for $25. The A1C test is a blood test that provides
information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose, also
called blood sugar, over the previous three months.
Nalivka said testing is especially important because early in the disease,
diabetes has no symptoms.
“So testing enables healthcare providers to find and treat diabetes
before complications occur, and to find and treat prediabetes, which can
delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing,” she said.
Those interested in getting screened may check in at the hospital’s
front desk anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cost is
$25, payable by cash, check or credit card; unfortunately, insurance is
not accepted for this special-price testing.
Screening results will be sent directly to patients, who are then encouraged
to share them with their healthcare providers.
In addition to the A1C screening, Nalivka said she and others will host
a “Diabetes Checkpoint” from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, November
10, near the grocery entrance to Wal-Mart. Nalivka said her team will
be armed with information on diabetes and can answer questions regarding
screening and prevention, and provide information on local resources.
On Tuesday, November 17, Nalivka will offer a preview of the hospital’s
popular “Living Well with Diabetes” class. Residents of all
ages are invited to join in from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the HGH Sonoma Conference
Room to sample the class’s wide range of topics, from disease risks
and monitoring blood sugar, to creating meal plans, remaining active,
managing medications and more.
Also, on Tuesday, November 17, Humboldt General Hospital will celebrate
National Healthy Lunch Day by offering a delicious and diabetes-friendly
lunch in the HGH Corner Café from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost
is $3.50. Bring a friend.
Finally, on Thursday, November 19, Humboldt General Hospital’s monthly
“Healthy Year, Healthy You” presentation will focus on “Sleep
and Diabetes.” Participants will enjoy a free lunch and discussion
from noon to 1 p.m. in the HGH Sarah Winnemucca Conference Room; there
is no cost to attend.
“We are excited to share with our community how to prevent and control
this disease,” said Nalivka.
She added, “The good news is that this disease is easily impacted
by simple measures, such as healthy eating, exercise, making positive
lifestyle changes, and monitoring key indicators, so a little bit of change
can go a long way.”
For more information on the National Diabetes Month activities planned
for Humboldt General Hospital, please call HGH Nutrition Services Director
Tiffani Nalivka at (775) 623-5222, ext. 1756, or email at
nalivkat@hghospital.org.