Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. The body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.
Thank you to the Springfield Foundation for their generous grant funding, which helps to enhance and expand diabetes services within the community.
This support not only empowers us to provide critical resources and education but also strengthens our ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals affected by diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 96 million American adults, more than 1 in 3, have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body from making insulin. Approximately 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have type 1. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often develop quickly. It’s usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.
With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more and more in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if you’re at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:
- Losing weight.
- Eating healthy food.
- Being active.
Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
During pregnancy, usually around the 24th week, many women develop gestational diabetes. A diagnosis of gestational diabetes doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived, or that you will have diabetes after giving birth. But it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice regarding blood glucose (blood sugar) levels while you’re planning your pregnancy, so you and your baby both remain healthy.
Services
CCCHD offers diabetes supplies at a low cost to the individual. We are unable to bill the individual’s health insurance carrier.
The supplies offered at a low cost are:
1. Blood Glucose Meter
2. Blood Glucose Test Strips
3. Normal Control Solution
4. Lancing Device
5. Lancets
For any questions, please call us at 937-390-5600.
Screening tests are helpful to a person who is evaluating risk for and/or monitoring prediabetes and diabetes.
What does it cost?
• Blood glucose screening is free.
• First Hemoglobin A1C screening at no cost.
What are the testing times and locations?
• CCCHD Main Office – 529 E. Home Road, Springfield
Wednesdays, call for specific times (937) 390-5600
Blood Glucose Screenings & Hemoglobin A1C Screenings
• CCCHD Satellite Office at Honey Creek Presbyterian Church – 212 Jefferson St., New Carlisle (enter off of Adams Street)
Monthly, call for specific dates and times (937) 390-5600
Blood Glucose Screenings only
*Except holidays when CCCHD is closed.
** For the most accurate Blood Glucose Screening result, fast for 8 hours before your test. No fasting required for Hemoglobin A1C screening.
For any questions, please call us at 937-390-5600.
Living with diabetes requires ongoing education, support, and effective management strategies. CCCHD is committed to providing comprehensive resources and workshops to help individuals thrive with diabetes.
Diabetes support groups are offered in two formats.
- Healthy Living with Diabetes Course (In-Person): The Healthy Living with Diabetes course at CCCHD is a comprehensive and interactive workshop designed to empower individuals living with diabetes. Led by experienced healthcare professionals, this in-person course offers a structured curriculum covering various aspects of diabetes management and healthy living. The workshop typically spans multiple sessions, allowing participants to delve deeper into key topics.
During the course, participants can expect to learn about essential concepts such as:
a) Understanding diabetes: The course provides a thorough understanding of diabetes, including its types, causes, and effects on the body. Participants will gain insights into managing blood sugar levels, preventing complications, and developing an overall understanding of their condition.
b) Nutrition and meal planning: A major focus of the workshop is on healthy eating habits and meal planning. Participants will receive guidance on creating balanced meal plans, portion control, carbohydrate counting, and making informed food choices.
c) Physical activity and exercise: Regular physical activity plays a vital role in diabetes management. The course emphasizes the importance of exercise, offering practical tips and guidelines for incorporating physical activity into daily routines.
d) Medication management: Proper medication management is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The workshop provides information on different diabetes medications, their usage, potential side effects, and adherence strategies.
e) Coping mechanisms and support: Living with diabetes can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. The course offers insights into coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and the importance of social support networks.
- Phone Discussion Group (Abbreviated): Recognizing the need for accessible diabetes support, CCCHD also offers a more abbreviated phone discussion group. This remote option provides individuals with a convenient way to connect, learn, and share experiences with others living with diabetes.
The phone discussion group focuses on:
a) Peer support and shared experiences: Participants have the opportunity to engage in open discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand the daily realities of living with diabetes.
b) Q&A sessions: Facilitators address common questions and concerns related to diabetes management, providing practical tips and guidance. Participants can seek clarification on various topics and gain valuable insights.
c) Resource sharing: The discussion group serves as a platform to share helpful resources, such as educational materials, online tools, and apps, that can aid in diabetes self-care.
Conclusion: Whether you prefer a comprehensive in-person course or a more abbreviated phone discussion group, CCCHD offers valuable diabetes workshops to support individuals in their journey towards healthier living. These workshops provide crucial education, support, and practical strategies to help participants manage their diabetes effectively and improve their overall well-being. Remember, you’re not alone—CCCHD is here to guide you towards a healthier and more empowered life with diabetes.
Diabetes Support Group
The Clark Champaign Diabetes Association (CCDA) offers a support group for those individuals who want to get connected to a supportive community.
The CCDA Support group meets every 1st Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm at United Senior Services.
For more information on the next meeting, follow the links below:
- October Meeting
- Information in Haitian Creole
Am I at Risk for Diabetes?
The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. Each type of diabetes has different sets of risk factors, for more information on risk factors, click the picture to the left or visit the CDC website.
To see if you are at at risk for diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a quick online quiz located here: Risk Test.
Or to see if you are at risk for prediabetes, the ADA has a quick test that can be found here: Prediabetes Test.
Further Diabetes Resources
For some further diabetes information, please check out the resources below: