World Diabetes Day

According to healthline.com, 29 million people in the United States have a diagnosis of diabetes. Approximately 8 million people also have the disease but have not yet been diagnosed and are therefore unaware of their condition. With today being World Diabetes Day and November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, we wanted to take the opportunity to share information regarding this chronic condition as well as the services we offer specifically for diabetes and pre-diabetes at the West Lakes Hy-Vee location.

Even if you are not affected by diabetes personally, you likely know someone who is. Knowing information on the disease in terms of education and prevention is key to helping yourself or those around you who have the diagnosis. 

Diabetes 101

Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body, due to an abnormality in insulin function or production. Symptoms associated with diabetes can be excessive thirst, hunger, and urination; fatigue; slow-healing sores or cuts; and blurry vision. The two most well-known types of diabetes are:  

Type 1 Diabetes

This type of diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The cause for type 1 diabetes isn’t exactly known, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Those with type 1 diabetes rely on daily insulin injections to manage the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes

In type two diabetes, the body’s response to insulin is impaired and/or a portion (not all) of the insulin-producing cells from the pancreas have stopped working properly. Insulin resistance is a cause for type 2 diabetes. Oftentimes lifestyle alterations can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90 to 95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes in adults.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated above normal ranges, but not yet high enough to be considered a diabetes diagnosis. Pre-diabetes is reversible, so taking proper precautions to avoid or delay the onset of diabetes is important and possible.

Research suggests that 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes. Of this group, 9 out of 10 don't know they have it.

West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitian Services 

Your West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitians are here to help you with your diabetes and pre-diabetes care whether you’ve just been diagnosed, or if you’ve lived with the disease for quite some time.

Diabetes Education:

Our location is a certified Diabetes Education Accreditation Program through the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). Having an accredited program allows us to bill certain health insurance companies for our diabetes education services. Producing blood sugars consistent with good control isn’t the only aspect involved with successfully managing diabetes. Whether you work with us in a group, or one-on-one, we’ll focus on the 7 Self Care Behaviors™ of diabetes management.

1. Monitoring

2. Healthy eating

3. Being active

4. Taking medications

5. Problem solving

6. Reducing risks

7. Healthy coping

Pre-Diabetes Education:

Sign up for group education through our National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). This 1-year program is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is based on a study that proved lifestyle change, including subtle weight loss (5%-7% of total body weight) and physical activity (150 minutes per week), to be the best method for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Both dietitians are certified lifestyle coaches and lead the program in a group-based setting, helping participants develop life-long healthful habits. The class is broken down into weekly sessions, bi-weekly sessions and monthly sessions.

Helmoglobin A1C Testing: ($35)

Hemoglobin A1C testing provides an indication of blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. This test is a great way to evaluate the long-term control of your diabetes. Call or e-mail today to set up an appointment. You do not need to be fasting for this test and it takes approximately 15 minutes.

For more information on the West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitian Services for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Education and screenings, contact Amanda or Natalie.

Amanda Devereaux, RD, LD; adevereaux@hy-vee.com

Natalie Hoefing, RD, LD; nhoefing@hy-vee.com

Office Phone: 515-223-7389

-West Lakes Hy-Vee Dietitians Team