Mahaska Health Partnership Raises Awareness of Diabetes

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – November is American Diabetes Month and Mahaska Health Partnership wants you to know the threat diabetes has to the nation and the world.

According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have prediabetes and are on the track to develop type 2 diabetes if they do not take the proper precautions.

“If you don’t have diabetes, it can be hard to put a lot of thought into the topic,” explained MHP Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson. “But the fact is that the national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the US is estimated to be $174 billion.”

Recent estimates project that one in three American adults will have diabetes by the year 2050. If diabetes is not managed properly, parts of the body will begin to fail such as your kidneys, heart and nerves. The good news is that there are ways to avoid diabetes and diabetes complications.

Whether you are at risk or have already been diagnosed, eating a healthy diet and practicing regular exercise can be your best options when combating the effects of diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to see a diabetes educator who can help you effectively manage the disease.

“For too many Americans, diabetes is considered a minor hurdle,” said Ferguson. “Diabetes is a life altering disease that needs management and attention. Working with an educator can help create a more practical understanding of changes you can make to take control of your disease.”

Be proactive about diabetes. If you are diagnosed with diabetes or have a family history, talk with your healthcare provider about working with a diabetes educator. For more information about this disease and to learn about your options, contact Mahaska Health Partnership Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson at 641-672-3422. MHP’s diabetes program is the only one in Mahaska, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk and Wapello counties and is recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641-672-3240 or visit www.mahaskahealth.org.