There are 20.8 million people or 7% of the population in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 6.2 million people are not aware that they have the disease.

Each day approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes. In 2005, 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people age 20 years or older.

Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States. Based on death certificate data, diabetes contributed to 224,092 deaths in 2002. Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure.

American Diabetes Association

While there is no cure for diabetes at this time, the disease can be successfully monitored and controlled.

Kosciusko Community Hospital's Diabetes Self Management Program provides diabetics with individualized education. A Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian teach the diabetes patient self-management skills which include:

• Meal Planning
• Blood Glucose Monitoring
• Sick Day Management
• Medication Scheduling
• Prevention of Diabetic Complications

To schedule an individual Diabetes Self-Management session, or for information regarding Diabetes Self-Help Groups call 574-372-7674.