Health-care professionals stress control of diabetes

September 15, 2003|by TAMMY THORNTON

As Dr. Matthew Hahn, of Tri-State Community Clinic in Hancock, says, "There's no part of your body left unaffected by diabetes."

"Diabetes is linked to blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, susceptibility to infection, poor circulation and loss of sensation in the feet," Hahn says. "Overall treatment can include visits to numerous types of physicians and anywhere from two to 10 medications. The shame of it all is that all of the suffering and all of the expense is largely preventable."

An estimated 382,000 people in Maryland have diabetes, yet only half of these people have been diagnosed. The other 191,000 have diabetes but are unaware of their disease.

This doesn't include the more than 1 million people who risk developing diabetes due to a mix of increasing age, obesity and sedentary lifestyle. The greatest increase in those diagnosed is seen in the younger generations, including children. It is a growing problem and a complicated disease.

Ask a diabetic what is the most difficult part of living with diabetes and you're likely to hear a common theme. It's inconvenient, it's life consuming, it's costly, and it's overwhelming.

Many diabetic people who control their disease know the benefits of taking charge. Attitude plays a big part in being successful. Wanting to learn and do whatever is necessary is crucial when dealing with a chronic disease. Also, support from family and friends is an important key to controlling diabetes.

For many people, making changes is only half the battle. Many people do not have the health-care coverage or financial means to support their own care. Fortunately, these individuals can receive medical attention at the Community Free Clinic. Another avenue for help is the Washington County Health Department. Anyone interested in diabetes care can register for a four-week diabetes self-management program. A team of dietitians, a nurse and an exercise specialist lead the program. The first session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, and meet for four consecutive Wednesdays. Another daytime program is scheduled for January 2004. The group will meet at the Washington County Health Department, 1302 Pennsylvania Ave. in Hagerstown. The cost is $10. Ongoing diabetes support groups meet in Hagerstown, at Walnut Towers on the first Wednesday of the month and at Potomac Towers on the third Friday of the month.

For information or to register for any of these programs, call 240-313-3300.

Tammy Thornton is a registered dietician at Washington County Health Department.

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