Diabetes Prevention and Control There are 20 million people in the United States (or 7% of the population) who have diabetes. Of that number, 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. In addition, new studies suggest that another 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes (a precursor to type 2 diabetes). Approximately 86,000, or 7.9 percent of Idaho adults, 18 years or older, report ever being told by a doctor that they have diabetes. About 10 percent 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
Diabetes Symptoms Eye Screenings Foot Examinations	Head-to-Toe Checklist Hot Topics Magic Valley Diabetes Coalition	Support Group Trainings Offered

Diabetes Symptoms

Some people with diabetes have symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:

• Irritability

• Extreme thirst

• Extreme hunger

• Frequent urination

• Blurry vision from time to time

• Unusual tiredness or drowsiness

• 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.

Trainings

Physicians: To help your patients with Medicare coverage and diabetes improve their self-management and prevent complications, refer your patients to one of these training options.
Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Self Management Training and Medical Nutrition Therapy

Patients: Medicare covers diabetes and nutrition training. For more information, check out this flyer and talk to your physician.
Medicare Covers Diabetes and Nutrition Education

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:

• Improve access to quality health care,
  

• Increase awareness and support through education, and
  

• Reduce diabetes-related complications for those with diabetes.

If you have questions about the Diabetes Coalition:
   - Send an email to the Coalition Coordinator
   - Call the coordinator at (208) 737-5946