Health Education: Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that should be taken seriously, but it does not have to control your life. If you are over age 60 and have diabetes, there is a good chance it's not your only health problem. This makes controlling diabetes even more important. Here is some information that you can use.
• Take time to come to terms with your condition and make the needed changes in your daily routine.• Learn all that you can about diabetes. Read about it and practice what you learn.
• Monitor your blood sugar even if you feel fine today. High blood sugar can cause serious health problems.
• Keep up to date on all preventative health screenings for diabetes: cholesterol test, A1c test, dilated eye exams and foot exams.
• Seek out a diabetes educator at your local hospital or community clinic. They can teach you about diabetes, answer your questions and provide support.
• Use meal plans, exercise and medication to control your diabetes.
• Ask for help if you have trouble managing your diabetes. You are not alone and there is help available.
• Look for a support group to share ideas, tips, recipes and support for managing diabetes. To locate a support group call your local American Diabetes Association, hospital or health department.
• It's OK to be mad, scared, embarrassed or upset. Just remember that you can control your diabetes and live a normal healthy life.
American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeCare America Initiative
Consumers age 65 and older who have diabetes and haven't had a medical eye exam in the past three years can receive a comprehensive eye exam and up to one year of follow-up care at no out-of-pocket cost for any disease diagnosed at the initial exam. To see if you are eligible for a referral to a nearby EyeCare America vounteer ophthalmologist, call toll-free 1-800-272-EYES (3937) or visit www.eyecareamerica.org. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, every day, year round. CMS, in collaboration with the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Amercian Optometric Association, has initiated the national program.
Helpful Links
ESRD Network 12
Directory of Diabetes Organizations
American Diabetes Association
Medicare Diabetes Health Education
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
Eye Care America
Healthy For Life - Missouri Diabetes and Heart Disease Prevention
Healthy for Life is a heart disease and diabetes prevention program. The purpose is to help people know their risk and learn how to prevent the side effects of these diseases. In addition to help people who care about others learn how to work as a group to improved the eating and activity habits of friends, family, and community members. The program is funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health.
Healthy For Life Staff
Doris Fountain, RNC, CDE (660) 626-2430
Sarah J. Eber, RD, LD, CDE (660) 626-2889
Adair County Health Department
(660) 665-8491
Knox County Health Department
(666) 397-3396
Linn County Health Department
(660) 258-7251
Macon County Health Department
(660) 385-4711
Schuyler County Health Department
(660) 457-3721
Scotland County Health Department
(660) 465-7275