More than six million Americans don’t know they have diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association and it’s estimated that 22,000 people in Alameda County are unaware that they have this disease. Your local community hospital is dedicated to helping those at risk. Washington Hospital has expanded the diabetes program to help people learn about self-care strategies in order to battle this chronic disease.

"Diabetes complications are preventable, but many people do not know they have the disease.  Of those that do, less than half get educated about how to manage it,” says Theresa Garnero, director of Diabetes Services at Washington Hospital. "There is so much you can do to control this disease and we have a team of professionals that can help steer people in a positive direction.”

Your Diabetes Care Team

The diabetes program at Washington Hospital includes a team of nurses and dietitians who are certified diabetes educators and are experts in helping each individual learn what will work to control diabetes. With a physician’s referral, the diabetes program staff can work with patients on an individual basis that follows an international curriculum and the standards of care set forth by the American Diabetes Association.

The Diabetes Program also offers a series of four classes. The Diabetes BASICS Program will help you learn important techniques for managing diabetes. Class participants are seen first individually. If you are interested, please contact our staff or have your physician send over a referral. Please call (510) 745-6556 for more information.

In addition, Washington Hospital’s Diabetes Program will offer a free, monthly (except July) education/support group called "Diabetes Matters” starting January 4, 2007 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Conrad E. Anderson Auditorium, 2500 Mowry Avenue, in Fremont. Registration is not required and the meeting is free and open to the public.

November is American Diabetes Month and the Diabetes Program has planned several events to help encourage the public to learn more about diabetes and the risks associated with the disease. You can learn more about the diabetes program by attending the Diabetes Health Fair Seminar on Monday, November 13, 2006 from 8 a.m. to noon. The program will include mini-lectures by a panel of expert speakers and free glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings will be conducted. A wide selection of health information and free glucose monitors will be available.

On the following day - November 14, a Health and Wellness seminar on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes will take place at the Conference Center adjacent to Nakamura Clinic, Union City. Call the Health Connection hotline at (800) 963-7070 to register for one of these free classes.

Are you at risk for diabetes and not know it?

There are several factors that may increase the risk of diabetes. Here is a checklist to consider:

• You are age 45 or older.
• You are a member of one of the following ethnic groups: Latino, African American, Pacific Islanders, or American Indian.
• You are carrying extra weight, especially around the middle.
• You have high blood pressure (at or above 130/80).
• Someone in your family has diabetes.
• You had diabetes during pregnancy or had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
• You do not exercise regularly.

If two or more of these statements are true for you, you may be at risk. The most important step after diagnosis is seeking education from a qualified diabetes health care professional. Certified diabetes educators help patients learn about diabetes, how to modify their lifestyle and reduce their risks for the chronic complications of diabetes. 

Get tested!

"It’s not rocket science. The diagnosis for diabetes is missed everyday because people are not tested for it or do not understand what the results mean,” says Garnero. "Ask for a copy of your lab tests and talk with your healthcare provider. You may also call the Diabetes Program if you have a question.”

If you have diabetes, Washington Hospital’s Diabetes Program can make a difference in your life. The diabetes education office is located on the first floor at 1900 Mowry Ave, Suite 102 (Washington East building) in Fremont. For more information call (510) 745-6556 or (800) 963-7070.