A few facts: Diabetes affects 25.8 million people, or 8.3% of the U.S. population. Among U.S. residents aged 65 years and older, 10.9 million, or 26.9% had diabetes in 2010. That’s an incredible number of people living with this complex disease, and in Maine, the percentage is even higher. Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.
[source: CDC, National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011]
If you or a loved one has diabetes, you must get educated on how to live with the disease.
Mid Coast Hospital’s Diabetes Education Program will offer a four week series of classes called Living With Diabetes on Mondays beginning February 27th, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. The program is designed to help individuals with diabetes learn skills to successfully manage their health. The classes will include information about meal planning, blood sugar monitoring, and preventing complications. A family member or care partner is welcome to attend. Most insurance companies cover the cost of the classes. To learn more or to register call Healthline at (207) 373-6585.
Because about 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes (type 1 or type 2) in the United States in 2010, this would be a good course for grandparents of young diabetics to attend. Learn how to help your youngster manage this disease. Kids will often listen better to grandparents than to parents!
The Mid Coast Hospital Diabetes Education Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.