Diabetes Counseling Program
Who should attend a session?
The sessions are perfect if you are new to diabetes and have lots of questions. It’s also great even if you have had diabetes for years. There is always new information to learn. The group setting allows you to share with and learn from others just like you!
When are sessions held?
The diabetes support group meets every 4th Monday at 2:00 pm at the Health Department. Sessions are done in a group setting, but can be done individually.
Class Topics
- What is Diabetes
- Blood Sugar Monitoring
- Setting Goals
- Diabetes Medications
- Meal Planning
- Physical Activity
- High & Low Blood Sugar
- Long–Term Complications
- Sick Days
- Stress Management
- Behavior Changes
Diabetes Meal Planning
A registered dietitian is available to develop an individualized meal plan for people with diabetes. These one on one sessions with the dietitian cover carbohydrate counting, meal preparation, shopping and incorporating diabetes meal planning into your everyday life.
Medicare and most private insurance companies cover this service. Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to see if diabetes education is covered or contact us to help.
How to Sign Up
Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about getting enrolled or call the Pike County Health Department at 573-324-2111.
The Pike County Diabetes Counseling Program has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education.
Pike County Health Department offers FREE Diabetes Screening
November 2011...During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association is collaborating with the Pike County Health Department, Home Health & Hospice to rally Pike County residents to take action and Join the Millions in the fight to Stop Diabetes®.
On November 17th the health department will offer FREE diabetes screenings from 8:30am-12:00pm in support of American Diabetes Month. If you or a family member may be a risk for diabetes please take the time to get screened. Screenings will include either a hemoglobin A1C test (non-fasting) or a fasting blood glucose test and a diabetes risk questionnaire. Those in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win a basket of goodies and will also be eligible for door prizes.
Attendees will learn important information about the risks and prevention of diabetes. Those individuals who currently have diabetes can come and learn about methods to control this devastating disease.
Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes. An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
"Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes," stated Kim Gamm RN BSN CDE, certified diabetes educator and coordinator of the Pike County Diabetes Counseling Program. "As a community, we need to make an effort to do everything we can to end this disease and make people more aware of the risk factors and signs of diabetes. We are asking everyone to raise their hand to Stop Diabetes, whether it is attending this event or getting involved in other ways" added Gamm.
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include:
- Obesity and overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Previously identified glucose intolerance
- Unhealthy diet
- Increased age
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Family history of diabetes
- A history of gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant)
- Ethnicity higher rates of diabetes have been reported in Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples (USA, Canada, Australia) and African Americans
Warning signs of Diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Lack of exercise
- Weight loss
- Excessive thirst
Diabetes can affect anyone! If left untreated, it is deadly. Please join the Pike County Health Department on November 17th to raise awareness of diabetes and help stop the spread of this epidemic. For questions or information please call 573-324-2111.
Source: www.diabetes.org