Diabetes Care Program

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are two major types of diabetes:

• Type 1 - A disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, most often occurring in children and young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to stay alive. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10 percent of diabetes.

• Type 2 - A metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or properly use, insulin. It is the most common form of the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is nearing epidemic proportions, due to an increased number of older Americans, and a greater prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Drew Memorial Hospital offers Outpatient Diabetes Self-Managment Training. Anyone with diabetes that has a need for training can attend but this has to be ordered by your physician.

The classes are offered on Tuesday afternoons, from 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. or Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. once a month.

Drew Memorial Hospital's goal is to have healthy, happy patients who are confident in their ability to manage their diabetes. Please call us 870-460-3509 if you would to participate in one our educational events. You can also contact our Education Director, Carole Neeley by e-mail (carole@drewmemorial.org) for questions.

Copyright 2002, Drew Memorial Hospital