Diabetes Care
Diabetes is a serious health condition that elevates blood sugar levels beyond healthy limits. It’s estimated that over 37 million Americans are diabetic—more than 11% of the population. Of those people, around 20% are undiagnosed and unaware they have the disease.1 Prediabetes is even more common. More than one in three Americans—around 96 million people—has prediabetes, and around 80% don’t know it.2 But with proper medical testing and healthy lifestyle choices, diabetes can often be managed or even prevented. The first step in prevention is understanding your risk. Take our free diabetes health risk assessment to learn more about your risk for diabetes.
Diabetes Education Program
Diabetes education can help people with diabetes gain the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to improve their health and lead normal lives. Improving blood glucose or sugar levels will prevent a person from developing the complications of diabetes.
The Diabetes Programs at Highpoint Health – Sumner and Highpoint Health – Riverview are taught by a registered nurse and registered dietitian. Topics discussed include healthy eating for diabetes, reducing complications, taking medication, monitoring blood sugar, reading labels and more.
- Daytime and evening classes are available. This is a one day class.
- A support person is encouraged to attend the class with you.
- Class size is small and in a relaxed environment.
- Instructors are certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators.
A doctor order is required for diabetes and nutrition education. For more information about the program, please contact us at one of our locations, and we will be glad to assist you.
Nutrition Education Program
Healthy eating plays a major role in managing many health conditions. A registered dietitian can help one develop an eating plan that best meets their nutrition needs.
- Education provided includes heart healthy eating, weight management, kidney disease, congestive heart failure and other topics.
- Individual instruction is provided by a registered dietitian (RD).
- A support person is encouraged to attend the appointment with you.
A doctor order is required for diabetes and nutrition education. For more information about the program, please contact us at one of our locations, and we will be glad to assist you.
Diabetic Support Group
At Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas we are committed to educating the public about diabetes and helping support those living with the disease.
Each month we offer a free Diabetic Support Group class open to the public at Highpoint Health – Riverview. This class is offered on the second Tuesday of each month starting at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome and we encourage you to bring a support person with you.
What is Diabetes?
Normally when we eat something, our body releases insulin that allows our cells to absorb the sugar from our bloodstream. In a diabetic patient, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to insulin correctly. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to many health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, or stroke.
What are the different types of diabetes?
Type I diabetes occurs when the body stops producing insulin entirely. It is usually diagnosed early in childhood, though it can sometimes manifest in adults. While the disease is genetic and lasts one’s whole life, patients can manage their blood sugar levels using diet, lifestyle changes, and insulin injections.
Type II diabetes arises later in life, and is caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, weight, age, and diet. It occurs when cells stop responding to the insulin the body produces, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Type II diabetes is very common, and accounts for more than 90% of diabetes cases in the United States.3 Once this disease develops, you must manage it for the rest of your life. The good news is that it can be prevented in most patients. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help.
Gestational diabetes occurs only in females and results when pregnancy-related body changes affect the ability to make enough insulin. It typically goes away after birth but can increase the mother’s and the child’s risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.
Prediabetes is a related condition that precedes Type II diabetes. It occurs when blood sugar levels are elevated but aren’t yet high enough to qualify as diabetes. Prediabetes can be thought of as a “warning sign” – you may be at risk of developing diabetes, but there’s still time to change direction. With help from your doctor, you can adopt healthy lifestyle habits and avoid Type II diabetes entirely.
Do I have diabetes?
Certain symptoms can indicate diabetes or prediabetes. If you are experiencing unusual hunger or fatigue, blurry vision, tingling in the hands and feet, slow-healing sores, or increased urination (especially at night), you should talk to your provider immediately. However, diabetes and prediabetes often have no symptoms at all. This is why testing is so important.
What can I do to prevent diabetes?
The first step in preventing diabetes is knowing your risk. A simple blood sugar test can determine if you have diabetes or prediabetes, and your provider can help you understand your other risk factors, such as lifestyle and family history. With your provider’s assistance, you can form a plan of diet, exercise and medication (if needed) to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level.
Schedule a check-up with your provider and learn what you can do to stay healthy. To find a provider, visit our Find a Doctor tool or call 800.424.DOCS (3627).
For more information on diabetes, visit www.cdc.gov/diabetes and www.diabetes.org.
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Our Locations
Diabetes Program at Highpoint Health – Sumner
555 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066
615.328.6190
Diabetes Education Center at Highpoint Health – Riverview
158 Hospital Drive
Carthage, TN 37030
615.735.5320