Diabetes Prevention and Education

Diabetes

Estimates indicate that 1 in 3 Coloradans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes within six years. You can help prevent diabetes by learning about your risk, making lifestyle changes, and getting help to manage your diet and exercise.

• Take the Risk Test to learn more about your risk for developing diabetes
• Learn more about how you can prevent type 2 diabetes

We can check your A1c and blood glucose level at both health department locations. Stop by our office for more information on diabetes prevention, management, and education.

Las Animas County 412 Benedicta Avenue Trinidad, CO 81082 Phone: 719-846-2213

Huerfano County 119 E 5th Street Walsenburg, CO 81089 Phone: 719-738-2650

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy.

Your body breaks down most of the food you eat into sugar (glucose) and releases it into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin acts like a key to let the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.

With diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake). This reaction stops your body from making insulin. Approximately 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have type 1. Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, and symptoms often develop quickly. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to take insulin every day to survive. Currently, no one knows how to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes

With type 2 diabetes, your body doesn’t use insulin well and can’t keep blood sugar at normal levels. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over many years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but more and more in children, teens, and young adults). You may not notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get your blood sugar tested if think you may be at risk. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as:

• Losing weight.
• Eating healthy food.
• Being active.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women who have never had diabetes. If you have gestational diabetes, your baby could be at higher risk for health problems. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after your baby is born. However, it increases your risk for type 2 diabetes later in life. Your baby is more likely to have obesity as a child or teen and develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes – Your Chance to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Prediabetes is a serious health condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough yet to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 96 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes. Of those with prediabetes, more than 80% don’t know they have it. Prediabetes puts you at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

The good news is that if you have prediabetes, the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program can help you make lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems.

Diabetes Education and Screening

Diabetic Education classes available at:

• Mt. San Rafael Hospital 
  • Check Mt. San Rafael Hospital's class availability or
  • Contact Teri Coombs, RN at (719) 846-9213 ext. 1217 for more information.
• Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center 
  • Check Mt. Carmel's class availability or
  • Call (719) 845-4838 for more information

Walk – In Diabetes Screening available at:

• Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center – Every Tuesday 2:00-4:00 pm and Friday 9:00-11:00 am or call 719-845-4838 to schedule an appointment.
• LAHCDHD in Trinidad and Walsenburg – Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Source: CDPHE Diabetes Information; CDC Diabetes Information