Diabetes Prevention and Control
There are 26 million people in the United States (or 8.3% of the population) who have diabetes. Of that number, 7 million are unaware they have the disease. In addition, new studies suggest that another 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes (a precursor to type 2 diabetes).
Approximately 76,200, or 7% of Idaho adults, 18 years or older, report ever being told by a doctor that they have diabetes. About 8% of south central Idaho adults have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and amputations. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.
Diabetes Information |
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Diabetes Symptoms
Some people with diabetes have symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
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Irritability
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Extreme thirst
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Extreme hunger
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Frequent urination
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Blurry vision from time to time
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Unusual tiredness or drowsiness
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Unexplained weight loss
Eye Screenings
Diabetes can cause eye problems and may lead to blindness. People with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness than people without diabetes. Early detection and treatment of eye problems can save your sight.
It is important to see your eye professional at least once a year for a dilated eye exam. Only optometrists and ophthalmologists can detect the signs of retinopathy, which is damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Only ophthalmologists can treat retinopathy.
Foot Examinations
People who have diabetes are vulnerable to nerve and vascular damage that can result in loss of protective sensation in the feet, poor circulation, and poor healing of foot ulcers.
All of these conditions contribute to the high amputation rate in people with diabetes, but early identification of foot problems and early intervention to prevent problems from worsening can avert many amputations.
It is recommended that people who have diabetes have their feet examined at least once a year by a trained health care professional.
Magic Valley Diabetes Coalition
The Magic Valley Diabetes Coalition is an alliance of health professionals and other community members in the Magic Valley who are working together to:
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Improve access to quality health care,
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Increase awareness and support through education, and
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Reduce diabetes-related complications for those with diabetes.
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2013 Meeting Schedule |
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April 25, 2013 |
noon - 1 p.m. |
If you have questions about the Diabetes Coalition:
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Send an email to the Coalition Coordinator
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Call the coordinator at (208) 737-5988
"Head to Toe" Diabetes Clinics
The Magic Valley Diabetes Coalition is offering special "Head to Toe" clinics in some communities for people with diabetes. Eye screenings, foot exams, dental screenings, blood pressure, and hemoglobin a1c tests will be offered free of charge to people with diabetes. Appointments must be made for the clinics. These clinics are open to people with diabetes who are newly diagnosed, have no insurance, have insurance with a high deductible, or those who have never received any of the offered services.
The Lions Club Sight and Hearing Mobile Screening Unit at a "Head to Toe" Clinic at SCPHD
For more information, contact the Diabetes Coordinator at (208) 737-5988.
Clinic Schedule
Head to Toe Clinic Schedule |
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Location |
Date |
Call for an Appointment: |
Twin Falls |
May 15, 2013 |
737-5988 |
Links
Help a Loved One with Diabetes
Diabetes Information from the CDC
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International