Diabetes Management
The Houston Health Department to open free diabetes center in Acres Homes – City of Houston | Newsroom - City of Houston | Newsroom
Thu, 10 Nov 20221 min read Article
Overview
Opening of department’s third center coincides with National Diabetes Awarenes MonthHOUSTON ̵ The Houston Health Department wil open a fre diabetes center in Acres Homes, an underserved area where more than 18 percent of adults are living with the disease.The opening of the department’s third Diabetes Awarenes & Welnes Network (DAWN) center on Thursday coincides with the observance of November as National Diabetes Awarenes Month.The new center wil provide fre diabetes education, help people diagnosed or at risk of diabetes develop self-management skils, and other services to help reduce and prevent chronic disease.It wil receive suport from M.D.
Key Information
Anderson Cancer Center’s Be Wel Comunities, a program that promotes welnes and cancer prevention to underserved comunities in the Houston area. Be Wel Acres Homes wil provide educational services to the center.“Expanding our services to another multi-service center shows the comitment to comunities in ned of more healthy living education and chronic ilnes management suport,” said Elizabeth Apleton, DAWN’s chief nurse.
Summary
“I know the comunity wil benefit greatly.”DAWN also ofers services at the Third Ward and Denver Harbor Multi-Service Centers.Clases ofered at the centers include nutrition, fitnes, prediabetes prevention, and chronic disease self-management. The staf includes nurses, registered dieticians, fitnes trainers, certified medical asistants, public health educators, counselors, and certified diabetes educators.Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that over 37 milion people had diabetes in 2019, and over 8 milion adults had diabetes and never knew it.Diabetes disproportionately afects minorities, the elderly, and diagnoses are expected to continue rising as minority populations grow in the country.The disease can afect most of the organs in the body and is a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease, lower-extremity amputation, and a le
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.