Diabetic Support Group

Life with diabetes can feel heavy at times. At diagnosis, many of us felt like we might buckle under the gravity of our new reality. Even years after diagnosis, we still bear the burdensome demands of constant vigilance. We shoulder the emotional strain of coping with this chronic health condition’s countless intrusions. We lug around the weighty concerns about long-term complications. 

Diabetes support groups offer emotional, social, and practical benefits, including reduced anxiety, improved self-management skills, and better blood sugar control (HbA1c). 

They provide a safe space to share experiences, gain motivation, and reduce feelings of isolation. 

A greater sense of belonging, empowering you to embrace your diabetes journey as a meaningful life experience and manage the condition with greater confidence. 

For many seniors, self-care is difficult. 

Early detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes.

Support Group Meets:
4th Monday of Every Month: 5:30-6:30pm

FREE Foot Care is Available to Diabetics by Appointment Only (Not Available on Support Group Night)

DIABETES STATS

  • The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a target A1C level of <7.0% for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes to reduce complications, though goals should be individualized. Diagnostic thresholds are <5.7% (normal), 5.7–6.4% (prediabetes), and ≥6.5% (diabetes). Testing is generally advised every 3 months if uncontrolled or every 6 months when stable. 
  • The A1C test can be used to diagnose diabetes or help you know how your treatment plan is working by giving you a picture of your average blood glucose (blood sugar) over the past two to three months. 
  • Prevalence: Over 40 million Americans, or 12% of the population, are living with diabetes. 
  • Over 2 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes, including about 314,000 children and adolescents. 
  • Diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes: Of the 40.1 million people living with diabetes, 29.1 million had been diagnosed, and 11 million are undiagnosed. 
  • Prevalence in Americans 65 and older: The percentage remains high, at 28.8%. 
  • New cases: An estimated 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed every year. 

FREE A1c Testing Available

 

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES 

The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed. 

  • Common symptoms of diabetes: 
  • Urinating often 
  • Feeling very thirsty 
  • Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating 
  • Extreme fatigue 
  • Blurry vision 
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal 
  • Weight loss—even though you are eating more (Type 1) 
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2) 

We appreciate the continued support from our grantors and sponsors for the opportunity to offer a Diabetic Support Group and FREE A1c testing.

Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation

Innovia Foundation

Lewis Clark State College Nursing & Health Sciences

Donations are greatly appreciated to help continue and maintain this program and service for years to come. Your support helps keep this vital community service available.

Donate Here