WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes 1s a serious incurable disease.
It is caused by the body's failure to make
use o’ certain foods 1n the Drooer way.
Scientists do not yet know the exact cause
of diabetes. But they do know that when
diabetes develops, two things can haooen:
(1) the body does not oroduce enough insulin
or (2) the body cannot make use of the insulin
that is produced.
Normally, the body changes food to a
form of suqar railed glucose. With diabetes
the body 1s not able to use food properly.
High levels of glucose accumulate 1n the
blood and urine. The kidneys have to work
overtime to get wasted glucose out of the
bodv through the urine. When high levels
of glucose build up 1n the blood, 1t can
cause serious, life-threatening complica
tions, such as blindness, heart disease,
stroke, kidney failure and amputation from
gangrene.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGHS
Any one of these symptoms can mean that you
have diabetes. See a health practitioner
1f you:
-urinate frequently
-are unusually thirsty
-tire easily, feel weak at normal tasks,
or are excessively drowsy
-have blurred vision
-have an uncontrollable craving for food,
especially sweets
-experience tingling, nianbness ro pain
1n the legs, feet or fingers
-have frequent skin Infections or Itchy
skin ______
DIABETES FACTS
- There 1s no cure for diabetes yet. But
medical science 1s making steady progress
to better prevent and control diabetes and
to reduce the severity of future complications.
- Diabetes, with Its serious complications,
1s the NO.3 cause of death bv disease 1n the
United States.
- Diabetes 1s the N0.1 cause of new cases
of blindness 1n adults over 45.
- At least 11 million Americans have diabetes.
- This year alone, 600,000 new cases of
diabetes will be diagnosed.
- Diabetes strikes women and non-whites more
often than other Americans.
rKtt LAS ! to I HJK UIABtlti
NOVE^ER 9-11
In recognition of National Diabetes Month
the Student Health Center will conduct a
diabetes screen on November 9th, 10th and 11th.
Any student who 1s eligible to use the services
of the health center will be able to have this
done at no charqe. Please bring your current
fee and I.D. card and come in fasting (nothing
to eat or drink for eight hours).
The test will be run on a blood specimen,
and the results will be obtained In 5 to 10
minutes. The test will be available from
8:00 AM to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday mornings. Pamphlets about diabetes
are available at the Health Education Center of
the Student Health Center.
UPCOMING
DIABETES PROGRAMS AT
SACRED HEART HOSPITAL
"Choose to Feel Better"
Hear new Information about adult onset
diabetes (Type II Diabetes) which effects
80S of the diabetic population. Learn to
make choices about exercise, insulin and
food to feel better. Hear about the emo
tional side of diabetes from the diabetic's
point of view.
DATE: Wednesday, November 10,
7:30 - 9:30 pm
LOCATION: Sacred Heart General Hospital
Auditorium
SPEAKERS: David Calder, M.D.
James C. Buie, M.D.
A panel of diabetes tell their
story.
Haste the Fabulous Fibers"
Learn about the benefits of the new high
f1ber/h1gh carbohydrate diet (HCF Diet) which
1s proving to be so successful 1n the control
of diabetes. There will be new Ideas for
menu planning, cooking, and recipe handouts.
The most fun of the evening will be a tasting
party where you can sample foods that are
h1qh in fiber and carbohydrate.
DATE: Wednesday, November 17,
7:30 - 9:30 pm
LOCATION: Celeste Campbell Senior Center
155 High Street, Eugene
SPEAKERS: Norma Bennett, Registered Dietitian
Robin Wiper, Registered Dietitian
How to register: There are no fees for
these two programs, but the hospital does
ask that vou call and register 1f you are
going to attend the session at Celeste
Campbell Senior Center.