Diabetes
What is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above
normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies
to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone
called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes,
your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well
as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.
Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness,
kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause
of death in the United States.
National Center For Chronic Disease Prevention And Health Promotion and NC Diabetes
Prevention and Control Branch have published information and resources about diabetes;
As well as facts about diabetes in North Carolina. Please read the brochures below
for more information.
Diabetes Screening Locations
The Public Health Department maintains a listing of free or low costs diabetes screening
services for the community.
Click here for the list of agency contact information. Please feel free
to call (336) 703-3219 with questions or for more information.
Diabetes Classes
The
Forsyth County Department of Public Health offers FREE Diabetes Classes. The classes
meet at the Public Health building located at 799 North Highland Avenue in Winston-Salem.
During each series, you will learn how to:
- Control your diabetes before it controls you;
- Prevent and treat complications of diabetes;
- Still eat your favorite foods;
- Make exercise part of your treatment and more!
Spring 2012 Series
Meets Tuesdays 12:00 - 1:00 pm
April 10th - May 29th
Topics include (not guaranteed in this order):
- Understanding Causes of Diabetes
- Preventing and Treating Complications
- Understanding Medications
- Monitoring Blood Sugar and Sick Day Guidelines
- Making Sense of Carbohydrates and Meal Planning
- Fats and Oils in the Diet
- How to Get Fit (Benefits of Physical Activity)
- Diabetes Looking at the Ups and Downs
For more information, please call (336) 703-3216.