Watch the videos to the right to learn more about the symptoms of the disease and how to take charge and live a long and healthy life with diabetes.
The Mercy Diabetes Program
The Mercy Circle of Caring provides a comprehensive diabetes program which offers a staff of experienced diabetes educators who can help with a diagnosis and develop a variety of treatment plans, tailored to the individual. Our diabetes program is offered at all five area Mercy hospitals and the Mercy Diabetes Center, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a provider of quality diabetes education. Our diabetes program helps you understand the disease and make the necessary lifestyle changes to take control of their diabetes. For more information, visit the Mercy Diabetes Program online at e-mercy.com/diabetes.
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly produce or produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone which acts as fuel for the cells of the body, giving you the everyday energy you need. Your body’s insulin must be in balance in order for you to live a healthy life.
Type I diabetes Sometimes called “juvenile diabetes,” because it is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can be diagnosed later. Affecting only 5-10% of diabetics, in this condition, the body produces no insulin, and the patient must have insulin to be healthy.
Type II diabetes About 90% of adults who have diabetes are Type II. In this case, the body does not utilize insulin properly or does not produce enough. Depending on individual circumstances, this type may be controlled with diet and exercise, and may not require additional insulin. If insulin is required, it’s typically less than what a patient with Type I would need.
Why is diabetes a problem? Diabetes, or complications from it, is a major cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. It also is a leading cause of vision loss, heart disease, and complications leading to the loss of limbs. In the U.S., it is estimated that 23.7 million people have diabetes, and of these, 6 million are unaware that they have the disease. 57 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes and need some kind of intervention.
What are the risk factors?
What are the symptoms?
How do I know if I might have diabetes or pre-diabetes? Check with your health care provider. There are very simple tests to determine if you have pre-diabetes or diabetes. If you do, chances are it can be controlled with diet and exercise; you may or may not need extra insulin.
What if I find out I have diabetes? Know that millions of others have it too, and that there are new technologies to make caring for your diabetes easier than ever before. You can lead a full, healthy life with proper management of the disease. A comprehensive program like the Mercy Diabetes Program can guide you through every step.
The important thing is that you FIND OUT if you have a problem before it becomes severe and you are faced with a major health crisis. Millions of people who have diabetes are living normal lives. They are able to travel and do all the activities they want to do. The Mercy Diabetes Center can help. Call 513-981-4151 or visit us online for more information.
