The Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center at St. John’s Mercy Hospital is assisting people who are part of a population coping with diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 23.6 million people in the United States, or eight percent of the population, have diabetes. The rate has increased 13.5 percent from 2005 to 2007. Much of the increase is in rural counties.
“Franklin County, for instance, has one of the highest incidence rates of diabetes in Missouri,” said Barbara Till, registered dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center at St. John’s Mercy Hospital.
“Franklin County also has one of the highest obesity rates in the state. That’s significant because obesity is linked to diabetes. Being overweight raises a person’s risk for type 2 diabetes and for heart disease, high blood pressure and other health problems.”
People who are diagnosed with pre-diabetes are at risk for acquiring type 2 diabetes. Till said people with pre-diabetes, if they take action now, can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by choosing a healthier diet and increasing their physical activity.
“Many people, regardless of their diagnosis, don’t seek help on how to self-manage diabetes because they think they can’t afford the treatment and counseling that goes with it. Medicare and most major insurance companies have coverage for diabetes education and supplies,” she added.
Diabetes is characterized by high levels of blood glucose and can be associated with serious and even life-threatening complications. These complications are usually caused by changes in the blood vessels and nerves. They can include eye and kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, numbness or pain in the legs, and foot infections leading to gangrene.
“Generations ago, people didn’t have the knowledge, medications, or glucose meters to manage their blood sugar levels,” said Till. “With today’s medical advances, the outcomes have improved. People have the ability to limit or minimize the complications once associated with diabetes. They can self-manage their disease through lifestyle changes; eating better, exercising, taking their medications and checking their blood sugars routinely.”
“Take Control,” the Diabetes Self-Management Program at SJMH, has been a recognized education program by the ADA since 2001. The team of educators at the Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center, which includes dietitians, nurses and social worker, teach people how to manage their disease so they can live healthier lives.
The education includes general knowledge of the disease, risk management, treatment options, medications and diabetes supplies.
Wanda Nickerson of Robertsville started coming to the Wellness Center when she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about a year ago.
“I didn’t know how I was going to take care of myself,” Nickerson said. “If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t know what I would have done. The people there were just fantastic. If I had a question, all I had to do was call and they’d help me.”
Many people have been helped through a Diabetes Grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. Till said the grant has given individuals education, testing supplies, medications and aides for increased activity and stress management.
Some grant dollars were used to develop a free Diabetes Information Packet. The packet contains valuable information on pre-diabetes and diabetes. In addition, it includes up-to-date guidelines on different aspects of how to manage diabetes effectively.
To learn more about the diabetes education program, or to receive the free Diabetes Information Packet, call the Nutrition and Diabetes Wellness Center at 636-239-8384.