If you have been newly diagnosed with diabetes, or if you have had diabetes for years, these services through Platte County Public Health provide you with the most current in diabetes information.

Being diagnosed with Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, can be frightening.  We know how serious this disease can be, especially when it is not well controlled. 

We want to provide you with the information that will help you to feel better about your diagnosis.  We want you to feel back in control of your life. 

We have many educational resources through videos, books, blood sugar monitors, and other materials to help you to stay on track with your Diabetes. 

There is a Diabetes Support Group that meets every month.  Anyone is welcome, whether you have Diabetes or know someone who does.  It is free and open to the public.  Meetings are every 3rd Tuesday evening at the Platte County Library at 7:00 p.m.

Exercise for FREE!!!!  If you have Diabetes, and you are looking for a way to exercise but can't afford it, we can help.  Call Kathy McGuire for more information on our free exercise programs located at The Total Fitness Center, Exercise Here, and Super 8 Motel.

Frequently asked questions related to Diabetes

What is a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)?

The Hemoglobin A1c is a simple lab test that shows the average amount of sugar in your blood over the last 2 to 3 months.  It's the best way to find out if your blood sugar is under control.  All people with type 2 diabetes should have a HbA1c test at least twice a year.  If your treatment changes or if your blood sugar levels are too high, you should get a HbA1c test at least every 3 months until your blood sugar levels improve.  Regular testing will help you and your doctor to track your blood sugar levels over time, and help plan long-term options to reach your target level of control.

Can diabetes be prevented?

A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes also appears to be associated with obesity.

Researchers are making progress in identifying the exact genetics and "triggers" that predispose some individuals to develop type 1 diabetes, but prevention remains elusive.

Is there a cure for diabetes?

There are several approaches to "cure" type 1 diabetes.  These are being pursued:  pancreas transplantation, islet cell transplantation artificial pancreas development, and genetic manipulation.

The "cure" for type 2 diabetes is a simple change of lifestyle.  This includes, but is not limited to, loss of weight, eating healthier, and moderate exercise.  Some type 2 diabetics may even be able to eliminate their diabetic medications.

How can diabetes affect cardiovascular health?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with diabetes.  Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely than people without diabetes to have a high rate of cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure.  The more of these conditions you have the greater risk to your cardiovascular health.

How can diabetes affect the eyes?

High blood glucose and high blood pressure cause small blood vessels to swell and leak liquid into the retina of the eye.  This leads to blurred vision and sometimes blindness.  Those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

How can diabetes affect the kidneys?

Also known as diabetic nephropathy, which occurs when cells and blood vessels in the kidney are damaged from high blood glucose and high blood pressure.  This decreases the organ's ability to filter out waste.  As waste builds up in your blood, kidney failure can occur.

How can diabetes affect nerve endings?

High blood glucose can damage blood vessels that bring oxygen to some nerves.  Diabetic neuropathy is the medical term for damage to the nervous system from diabetes.  The most common type is peripheral neuropathy, which affects primarily the arms and legs.  People with diabetes can develop nerve problems at any time, but the longer a person has diabetes, the greater the risk.  This nerve damage can also deform feet, causing pressure points that can turn into blisters, sores, or ulcers.  Poor circulation related to diabetes can then make these injuries slow to heal, increasing the risk of infection, and possible amputation of the affected area.

What should I do on a regular basis to take care of my feet?

Look for cuts, cracks, sores, swelling, infected toenails, blisters, and calluses every day.  Call your doctor if these wounds do not heal after one day.

Wash your feet in warm--not hot--water and dry them well.

Cut your toenails once a week after washing.  The toenail will be soft and easier to cut after washing first.  Cut them to the shape of the toes, but not too short.  File edges of the toenail with an emery board.

Rub lotion on the feet--but not between the toes--to prevent cracking from dryness.

Wear well fitted shoes.  Break in new shoes slowly.

Wear socks to avoid blisters.

Wear lightly padded socks that fit well; seamless socks are the best.

Never go barefoot.

Protect your feet from extreme heat/cold.

Elevate the feet from time to tome to allow improved circulation of the legs and feet.

Quit smoking--smoking reduces blood flow to the feet.

Most importantly--keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control.

What should I do when I am sick?

Continue to take your diabetes medication, even if you have not been able to eat.

Test your blood results every 4 hours.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Weigh yourself daily.

Check your temperature often.

Call your health care provider or go to an emergency room if any of the following happen to you:

• you cannot eat normally and are unable to keep food down for more than 6 hours

• your are having severe diarrhea

• you lose 5 pounds or more

• your temperature is over 101 degrees F

• your blood glucose is lower than 60 or greater than 300

• you have moderate or large amounts of ketones in your urine

• you are having trouble breathing

• you feel sleepy or can't think clearly

What do I need to know about diabetes pills?

Many types of diabetes pills can help people with type 2 diabetes lower their blood glucose.  Each type of pill helps lower blood glucose in a different way.  Your healthcare provider will prescribe the one that will work best for you.

Will I have to inject insulin?

If your pancreas no longer makes insulin, then you may need to take insulin injections.  Some diabetics have to take both pills and insulin injections.

Why do I have to take insulin as an injection, instead of a pill form?

Insulin is a protein.  Proteins are broken down by the stomach and digested.  Therefore, the insulin would be rendered unfunctional before it reached your blood if it was in pill form.

How does insulin work in the blood?

Insulin moves glucose from the blood into the cells of your body.  This decreases the levels of glucose in the blood.  Once the glucose enters the cell, the cell is able to provide energy for all your body functions.

There are several types of insulin, do they all work the same?

No.  There are 6 main types of insulin.  Some are short acting, some regular acting, and others long acting.  Many people take a combination of these, according to what their doctor orders.  This can be very frustrating for newly diagnosed diabetics, who have to take insulin.  After a short time, you will get to know when your insulin starts to work and when it is finished.  You will learn how to match your meal and exercise times to the time when each insulin dose you take works in your body.

Where on my body do I inject insulin?

Insulin is injected subcutaneously.  This means insulin is injected just below the surface of the skin into the fat, where it is broken down quickly.  There are several places on your body where you can inject insulin.  The abdomen works the fastest, the thigh works the slowest, and the back of the arm works at medium speed.  Your doctor or diabetes educator can give you more information on the right way to take insulin and where to inject it?

How is insulin stored?

A bottle of insulin can be stored at room temperature for 30 days.  If you do not use a bottle of insulin in 30 days, you can store it in a refrigerator for a longer period of time.  If insulin gets too hot or cold, it breaks down and does not work.  It is important to keep extra insulin stored in the refrigerator and restock extra as needed.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia can occur when your blood sugar gets too low.  It can happen when you skip or delay a meal, eat too little, exercise too much, take too much medication, or by drinking alcohol.  Symptoms include:

• dizziness

• hunger

• nervousness

• shakiness

• sleepy/confused

• sweaty

If you have these symptoms, test your blood sugar.  If your blood glucose is less that 70, try one of these to help:

• 1/2 cup fruit juice

• 1 cup milk

• 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey

• 1/2 cup regular soda

• 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy

• glucose gel or tablets

If you have moments when your meals are delayed for more than an hour, have a snack with starch and protein (cheese and crackers).

(the above information was taken from the American Diabetes Associations)

If you have more questions, call your primary healthcare provider.  You can also visit websites related to diabetes by clicking on "Links of Interest" below.

LINKS OF INTEREST

National Diabetes Education Program:   http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/index.htm

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease:  http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

National Eye institute:  http://www.nei.nih.gov

American Diabetes Association:  http://www.diabetes.org

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation:  http://www.jdrf.org

NOTE:  This site is for general informational purposes only.  It is not intended to replace services from your personal healthcare provider.  Specific questions and concerns should be discussed with your personal provider.