Diabetes Smart . . .You Can Do It!

Baptist Regional Medical Center has developed an American Diabetes Associaton Accredited program, Diabetes Smart...You Can Do It!, for our community. The program provides individuals with diabetes with the management skills to care for themselves, thus improving blood sugar control and overall quality of life.

Class Schedule

A referral from your family physician is required. Scholarships are available based on income need. For additional information and class times, please contact Linda Mills, RN at (606) 523-8549.

Criteria for the Diabetes Smart...You Can Do It!

1. The client needs an order from their doctor.

2. The class is a two-day class that is offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

3. The class meets at the Baptist Family Fitness Center.

4. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances with pre-certification  will pay for the classes.

5. Call your insurance provider to see if they require a pre-certification prior to attending class.

6. Scholarships are available, please call 606-523-8549 to see if you qualify.

7. The client is allowed to bring one guest with them to class at no charge.

8. We offer quarterly a Saturday or an evening class.

The Facts about Diabetes

20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of that number, half are unaware they have diabetes.

• There are over 250,000 Kentuckians with diabetes.  Diabetes is three times more prevalent here than in any other state in our nation.
• Although there is no cure for diabetes, there is overwhelming evidence that early detection, treatment and rigorous attention to self-care facilitated by diabetes education, can significantly reduce the complications related to diabetes.

Could You Have Diabetes and Not Know It?

Take the test. Know your score.

Take this test to see if you are at risk for having diabetes. Diabetes is more common in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. If you are a member of one of these ethnic groups, you need to pay special attention to this test.

Write in the points next to each statement that is true for you. If a statement is not true, put a zero. Then add your total score.

Scoring 10 or more points: You are at high risk for having diabetes. Only your health care provider can check to see if you have diabetes. See yours soon and find out for sure.

Scoring 3-9 points: You are probably at low risk for having diabetes now. But don’t just forget about it. Keep your risk low by losing weight if you are overweight, being active most days and eating low-fat meals that are high in fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods.

Diabetes Facts You Should Know

Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to blindness, heart disease, strokes, kidney failure and loss of a limb.

You are at greater risk for diabetes if:

• You are age 45 and older
• You are overweight
• You have high blood pressure
• You have a family history of diabetes

For more information, call 1-800-Diabetes (342-2383) or visit our Website at www.diabetes.org

At-Risk Weight Chart

Height (feet and inches without shoes) Weight (in pounds without clothing)

If you weigh the same as or more than the amount listed for your height, you may be at risk for diabetes.

Baptist Regional Medical Center: Leading the Way in Diabetes Education and Management

• meal planning;
• grocery shopping;
• eating out;
• exercise and activity plans;
• coping with diabetes;
• review of complications;
• home monitoring of blood sugars; and
• a review of medications.