The Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Notes November American Diabetes Month & Diabetes Education Week, Nov. 1-7th

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note that November has been designated as National Diabetes Awareness Month and November 1-7 is Diabetes Education Week.  Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes and an additional 79 million are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes. 

     The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, along with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), want to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with diabetes; as well as, its serious and life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputation.

     Therefore, we remind area residents that our First Choice Healthcare Family Nurse Practitioners can help with the management of Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes. And for diagnosed diabetics, the Department announces they will offer the Hemoglobin A1C Blood Test (for Diagnosed Diabetics with a Doctor's Order) at a special price of $30 for the month of November. Please note, this lab special is available on a “Cash Only” basis. Testing is available through their clinics in Kewanee 309-852-5272 and Toulon 309-852-3115. 

     Diabetes is dangerous because high blood sugar isn't usually something you can feel.  Many people have no outward type 2 diabetes symptoms at all and can go years without being diagnosed.  That's why it's important to be aware of the type 2 diabetes symptoms and risk factors for diabetes.  Get screened by a health care provider if you have the following type 2 diabetes symptoms:

  • Being unusually thirsty

  • Having to urinate often

  • Feeling hungry all the time

  • Losing weight (without trying)

  • Having blurry vision

  • Feeling very tired

  • Frequent infections

  • Cuts and sores that heal slowly

      If you are over age 45, talk with your health care provider about being tested for diabetes, especially if you are overweight or have family members with the condition.  Regardless of your age, if you are overweight and have one or more of the other risk factors listed, the ADA suggests that you be tested for diabetes.