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• What is Diabetes?
• What is my chance of getting diabetes?
• What are some of the warning signs for diabetes?
• TAKE CHARGE by being an active member of your health care team
• Recommended health tests and shots for people living with diabetes
• Living healthy to manage diabetes
• Helpful Links

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a life-long condition. It can be managed by practicing healthy living habits. When you eat, your body breaks down the food so that it can be used for energy. This energy is called glucose and is sent into your bloodstream. Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin that helps glucose move from your bloodstream into the cells in your body. The pancreas does not make insulin (type 1) or does not make enough insulin (type 2) in people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.

What is my chance of getting diabetes?

Your chance of getting diabetes is high if:

• You have a parent, sister or brother with diabetes
• You are under 65 years old and you get little or no exercise
• You are overweight
• You are between the ages of 40 and 74 years old
• You are a member of the African American, Asian American, Latino, Native American and Pacific Islander communities. These ethnic groups have an increased chance of getting diabetes.

What are some of the warning signs for diabetes?

• Frequent urination
• Always being very thirsty and hungry
• Unexpected or unplanned weight loss
• Increased tiredness
• Feeling irritable
• Cuts and scratches may heal slowly, especially on the feet
• Blurry vision

Make an appointment to see your Primary Care Provider as soon as possible if you are in one of the groups with an increased chance of getting diabetes and you have one or more of the warning signs.

TAKE CHARGE by being an active member of your health care team

Become an active member of your health care team by following the TAKE CHARGE steps listed below.

Recommended health tests and shots for people living with diabetes

Living healthy to manage diabetes

• Be physically active for a total of 30 minutes, at least five days per week. Visit the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to learn how to become more physically active.
• Keep a healthy weight. Talk to your PCP about ways to control your weight. Visit the Center of Disease Control and Prevention to learn how to manage your weight.
• Eat a variety of foods every day. Eat five to six small - medium size meals during the day. The American Diabetes Association has more information on eating healthy.
• Stop smoking. The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line has information on stopping smoking.
• Become a better self-manager by taking classes on how to manage your diabetes. Sign-up for a diabetes support group in your community.