When you're living with diabetes, you can feel better and reduce your risk for related complications when you know how to manage the disease. We can help you learn to do that at Humboldt General Hospital.
Diabetes education classes
HGH offers diabetes self-management education program classes called Living Well with Diabetes. The program is accredited through the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. Our classes are taught by highly knowledgeable Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.
We offer diabetes self-management education classes multiple times a year. You will attend one class a week for two weeks. Each class lasts about four to five hours. You can bring one support person free of charge. We will provide snacks and a meal for both of you.
During the classes, we will teach the skills you need to live well with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. We tailor the education to your individual needs, so no matter where you are on your diabetes journey, our classes can help you have a better understanding of your disease.
For example, you will learn about:
How diabetes damages the body
Diabetes can take a toll on health.
The good news: People can avoid or delay many of the harmful effects of diabetes by managing their blood sugar, blood pressure and other conditions.
The risks are real.
See the damage done, head to toe.
Brain
People with diabetes often have high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke.
Eyes
Over time, high blood pressure and high glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. This eye disease (called diabetic retinopathy) can lead to blindness.
Mouth
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to mouth problems like infection and gum disease.
Heart
People with diabetes are at higher risk for heart disease, which can cause heart attack and heart failure.
Digestive tract
Diabetes-related nerve damage can cause sluggish digestion. This can lead to pain, nausea and vomiting, and affect blood sugar levels.
Kidneys
Over time, diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. This can cause kidney disease.
Sexual function
For men, nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to erectile dysfunction. In women, diabetes can contribute to vaginal dryness and reduced pleasure.
Legs
Poor circulation can lead to peripheral arterial disease, which slows wound healing and raises the risk for foot ulcers, infection and amputation.
Feet
Nerve damage can lead to pain or numbness that makes it hard to feel blisters or cuts. Because diabetes can impair blood flow, these wounds may heal slowly or become infected.
PROTECT YOUR BODY, PROTECT YOUR HEALTH
Get regular checkups to avoid or delay complications of diabetes.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; UpToDate
Sources
- American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes and High Blood Pressure." https://diabetes.org/diabetes/high-blood-pressure.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Diabetes, Gum Disease & Other Dental Problems." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Diabetes, Heart Disease, & Stroke." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Diabetic Neuropathy." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies.
- UpToDate. "Patient Education. High Cholesterol and Lipids. (Beyond the Basics.) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-and-lipids-beyond-the-basics.
- UpToDate. "Patient Education: Preventing Complications from Diabetes (Beyond the Basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/preventing-complications-from-diabetes-beyond-the-basics.
- Healthy eating, including reading food labels and practicing portion control and counting carbohydrates.
- Physical activity.
- Checking your blood sugar.
- Taking diabetes medicines.
- Solving problems, such as managing diabetes while on vacation or when you're sick.
- Reducing your risk for complications.
- Coping with the stress and emotions of living with diabetes.
People who attend our diabetes classes have reported improvements in their A1C blood sugar levels, as well as improvements in their understanding of diabetes and how to manage their own care.
How to sign up for diabetes education classes
You will need a referral from your doctor to enroll in our diabetes education program, which most insurances cover.
To learn more, please call 775.623.5222, ext. 1756.