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Diabetes & Nutrition
Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Extension Center continues the effort to educate and provide resources to our patients and the broader community with the intent to reduce the complications of diabetes.
Seventeen million Americans have diabetes and other nutritional deficits, at an estimated cost to the nation of over 100 billion dollars each year. The prevalence of diabetes is rising as the population ages and as more Americans become obese. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness, end-stage kidney disease, and amputations of the foot or leg. In addition, people with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
The nutrition program hopes to raise awareness about the importance of controlling diabetes, especially among those minority groups that are significantly affected by the disease – specifically, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans. Much of the illness and death from diabetes may be prevented or delayed by aggressive treatment with diet, physical activity and proper medication compliance. The combination of these three factors can help people with diabetes control their blood sugars, and increase and improve their quality of life.
We here at SURHC recommend the following steps to ensure optimal control of diabetes:
Check Blood Glucose Levels DailyHave Quarterly Hemoglobin A1c Test
Be on an Ace Inhibitor (a high blood pressure medication used to protect the diabetic’s kidney function).
Attend Nutrition Classes
Frequent Diabetes Education
Annual Flu Shots
Annual Eye Exams
Annual Dental Exams
Annual Foot Exams
Annual Counseling On Goal-Setting
For information or to enroll in the nutrition classes, contact the Health Educator, Elizabeth Williams at (816) 889-7800.