Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body has too little insulin to properly obtain energy from the food that is eaten. It can be a complete lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or inability of the body to use insulin properly (type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas and released into the blood stream to help in the metabolism of food.
When there is too little insulin present or insulin is not working properly, the sugar is unable to enter the cells, so it remains at too high a level in the blood stream. Having your blood sugar level tested can determine if you have diabetes. The goal in treatment of any type of diabetes is to try to get the blood sugar level as close to normal as possible without having frequent low blood sugar episodes.
Individual and Group diabetes classes are available. Call Michele Shearer, RN CDE at 724-543-8817 for times and availability.
Diabetes has become the most serious health problem of America. United Health Group has predicted that 52% of Americans may get diabetic or pre-diabetic by 2020. The percentage is more than two times higher than the amount of diabetes cases registered in 2010.
Diabetes Wellness Classes
Ask your physician to sign the diabetes education form kept in their office. After they fax this form to ACMH, we will contact you to determine your educational needs and enroll you in one of the classes. For more information, please call 724-525-7248.
Endocrinology is a medical specialty that concerns the structure, function and disorders of the endocrine glands:
These glands communicate broadly with multiple body organs and body systems. An endocrinologist is trained specifically to treat these disorders.
There are common and rare disorders. Common disorders include:
For information on endocrinology services at ACMH, please call 724-543-8577.