The seventh leading cause of death, diabetes is a disease in which a person develops high blood sugar because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or cells do not respond to the insulin produced. If blood sugar is consistently high, over time it can affect other parts of the body and lead to heart disease, eye complications, kidney disease, nerve damage, foot problems, skin complications and dental disease.
More than 30 million Americans live with diabetes. Your chances of developing type 2 diabetes depend on a combination of risk factors, such as genes and lifestyle.
Risk factors for diabetes include:
- 45 years or older
- Overweight or obese
- Physically inactive
- Family history
- History of gestational diabetes
If you have diabetes, detecting and treating it early are key to decreasing your risk of further complications. Warning signs include:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst or hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tingling, pain or numbness in your hands or feet
If you have diabetes, we can help. Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, Margaret Mary’s diabetes program is led by registered nurses and dietitians who are trained in diabetes education. Our program offers the following:
- Individual Consultation/Follow Up
- Group Diabetes Classes
- Gestational and Pregnancy with Type 2 Diabetes
- Blood Glucose Meter Services
Click to learn more about our diabetes program and how to talk to your doctor about a referral to our program.