February, 2004

Diabetes Care Program

An estimated 162,000 adult Arkansans have diabetes. According to 1998 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data approximately 126,000 Arkansans (6.7%) have diagnosed diabetes. The remaining 36,000 are unaware of their condition. Arkansas ranked 5th in the highest prevalence of diabetes among the fifty states.

Arkansas has consistently ranked higher than national average for diagnosed diabetes since 1995. In 1996, diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in Arkansas.

Genetic susceptibility and family history are essential risk factors in the development of diabetes. Other risk factors that contribute to its development include increased age, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. It is estimated that 801,000 person in Arkansas were at risk of undiagnosed diabetes because of these risk factors in 1996.

Comprehensive diabetes self -management education is an on-going process and vital to help the person with diabetes competently manage his disease to prevent complications.

The staff of Drew Memorial Hospital is dedicated in making a difference. We believe self-management education is an integral part of medical care for our patients with diabetes. Since we are committed to providing quality patient care, we support this program and are dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients and families.

If you have diabetes and would like to participate in this training talk with your physician or qualified practitioner.
Classes are offered every Tuesday afternoons, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. or Thursday nights from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. once a month.

Our goal is to have healthy, happy patient who are confident in their ability to manage their diabetes.

For more information call Drew Memorial Hospital Education Department @ 870-460-3509 or by e-mail (EducationDIR@drewmemorial.org) for questions.

Copyright 2002, Drew Memorial Hospital