The Aultman Diabetes Education program is an American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized program. Group classes and individual instruction are available at various times and locations throughout each month. A doctor’s order is needed to attend the educational program. Your insurance will be billed, so please check with your insurance company to find out if diabetes education is on your plan.

Educational Program

Because diabetes is a largely self-managed disease, education is an essential component of care. The Aultman Diabetes Education Program offers self-management classes to teach the following self-care behaviors recommended by the American Association of Diabetes Educators:

• Healthy eating
• Being active
• Monitoring
• Taking medication
• Problem solving
• Healthy coping
• Reducing risks and complications

The Diabetes Education Program also offers individual instructions for insulin administration or gestational diabetes. A monthly diabetes support group is also available. A physician referral is needed for diabetes education, and services are billed to your insurance. For more information, call us at 330-363-5235.

Diabetes Basics

Currently, one in every 10 adults in the U.S. has diabetes, making it one of the most common chronic medical conditions in our country. The prevalence of diabetes is only expected to rise, with projections showing that as many as one in every three adults could have diabetes by the year 2050 if current trends continue.

Diabetes Risk Factors

• Age greater than 40
• Family history of diabetes 
• Being overweight 
• Having had gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds 
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle 
• Having high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol levels 
• Being of African-American, Hispanic American or Indian American descent

Eating a proper diet and getting physical activity can greatly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. It can also help to control the condition in those who already have diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, must be present in order for sugar to be used for energy. If the pancreas cannot make enough insulin or if the body can not use the insulin correctly, sugar can build up in the blood. This increase of sugar in the blood is called diabetes.

Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Extreme tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes
• Recurring infections
• Unexplained weight loss

Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

At this time, there is no cure for diabetes. The goal is control of the elevated blood sugar - and control depends on you. The choices you make each day will affect your blood sugar. Learning about diabetes is the key to making informed choices that will affect you today and in the future.

Online Diabetes Resources

Click the link above for additional risk assessments, diabetes facts, articles and quizzes to supplement your educational program.