Navigating diabetes with local resources

GRINNELL — November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and according to the American Diabetes Association, more than 37 million Americans have diabetes.

Another 96 million have prediabetes.

“Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with increased knowledge of the disease it is much easier to handle,” says Mary Waechter, diabetic educator at the UnityPoint Health — Grinnell Diabetes and Nutrition Education Clinic.

Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin, said UnityPoint in a press release.

Insulin is a hormone that the body needs to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. The most common forms of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Other types of diabetes include prediabetes and gestational diabetes.

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure.

Symptoms of Type I diabetes include sudden weight loss, increased appetite, extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurry vision.

Type 2 symptoms include extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision, frequent infections and slow-healing sores.

Individuals exhibiting these signs should contact their primary care provider for further evaluation, said UnityPoint.

“Patients are not alone to figure out all the details about diabetes,” says Waechter. “I am here for them as an educator to help them learn more about diabetes, how to get a better understanding of it and how to control it. It is not easy making changes, but I am here to support you."

Contact your primary care provider or call 641-236-4323 to learn more about the UnityPoint Health — Grinnell Diabetes and Nutrition Education Clinic and its services.

A provider referral is required for a Diabetes and Nutrition Education Clinic consult.