The Diabetes Epidemic
Diabetes affects more than 23 million Americans – nearly eight percent of the nation’s population – and is one of the country’s fastest growing health epidemics.More than one million adults are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and an additional five million individuals with diabetes have not been formally diagnosed with the disease.
Diabetes affects children and adults of all ages. The most common form is Type 2 diabetes, which develops over time as a result of the body’s inability to break down sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Type 1 diabetes – generally found in children and young adults – is usually hereditary or develops as a result of a virus. Type 2 diabetes often develops during adulthood as a byproduct of being overweight or obese. Other risk factors include age, family history, inactivity and high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Managing a Diabetes Diagnosis
If you are at risk for diabetes or you’ve recently been diagnosed, there are a variety of ways to manage your symptoms and prevent or delay complications related to the disease. Southern Virginia Medical Center offers a variety of educational and clinical resources to help you attain your best health.
Want to learn more? Join us for Living With Diabetes, a free educational program offered by Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center. You’ll learn valuable information and helpful strategies for managing your condition.
Class topics include:
- Diabetes causes and symptoms
- Potential effects of diabetes on the body
- Glucose testing
- The importance of establishing and following a daily routine
- Menu planning using carbohydrate awareness
Living with Diabetes is a two-hour seminar, designed for patients and their families and open to the public. The seminar is offered on the second Tuesday of every month from 1-3 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Southern Virginia Regional Medical Center.
The seminar is free, but registration is requested. Call 434-348-4898 to reserve a seat for you and your family.