Diabetes Education


 

Diabetes Education

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar for energy. The main types include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder, is not related to diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). The symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.


What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

Over 6 million people in the U.S. (both adults and children) have undiagnosed diabetes. Are you living with these symptoms? Increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination — these red flags may indicate early symptoms of diabetes.

Common symptoms include:

  • Excessive thirst and appetite
  • Increased urination (sometimes as often as every hour)
  • Unusual weight loss or gain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea, perhaps vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • In women, frequent vaginal infections
  • In men and women, yeast infections
  • Dry mouth
  • Slow-healing sores or cuts
  • Itching skin, especially in the groin or vaginal area


Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious health complications. That’s why is very important to know how to spot type 2 diabetes symptoms. Even pre-diabetes can increase the chance of heart disease just like type 1 or type 2. Talk to your doctor about preventive measures you can take now to reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The symptoms due to high blood sugar may include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased hunger (especially after eating)
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
  • Fatigue (weak, tired feeling)
  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness (rare)

Type 2 diabetes is usually not diagnosed until health complications have occurred. Most often, there are no symptoms or a very gradual development of the above symptoms of type 2. In fact, about a third of all people who have type 2 diabetes don’t know they have it.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Slow-healing sores or cuts
  • Itching of the skin (usually around the vaginal or groin area)
  • Frequent yeast infections
  • Recent weight gain

Velvety dark skin changes of the neck, armpit, and groin, called acanthosis nigricans
Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
Decreased vision
Impotency

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious problems if left untreated. Our FirstLine Therapy Program offers medical foods that nutritionally support the management of conditions associated with type 2, such as insulin resistance and hypoglycemia. Awareness of how blood sugar levels influence health is greater than ever. Our formulas are designed to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, support healthy insulin homeostasis, and promote healthy body composition.


RUSH University Diabetes Center

The education program covers a range of topics, including the following:

  • Information about your diabetes medication, including training in using an insulin pump
  • How to monitor your blood sugar level
  • Healthy meal plans for people with diabetes
  • How to incorporate physical activity into your life
  • Learning to cope with stress
  • Tips for preventing short- and long-term diabetes complications
  • You can come to the center to participate in the education programs.

RUSH University Diabetic Support and Education Group
710 S. Paulina St.
Johnston R. Bowman Health Center, 316K
Chicago, IL 60612

The last Friday of every month, 2 to 4 p.m.

Join RUSH Diabetes Center experts and participate in a monthly program designed to explore diabetes management in a group setting. Discussions will cover healthy habits, establishing long-term health goals, nutrition and making lifestyle changes that support living with diabetes.

Registration is required. For more information, please call (800) 757-0202 or visit their website. Refreshments will be offered. Parking in the RUSH garage is available with validation.

Location

Comprehensive Center for Women's Medicine
100 E. Walton Street, Suite 400W
Gold Coast

Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 773-694-5551

Office Hours

Get in touch

773-694-5551