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Diabetes is the common name for a range of conditions including diabetes mellitus type one and diabetes mellitus type two, diabetes insipidus and gestational diabetes. These are all conditions, which affect how the pancreas (an organ in the digestive system) secretes insulin or how the body reacts to this hormone. Depending on the type and severity, diabetes is controlled by dietary measures, weight loss, oral medication or injected or inhaled insulin. There is a wide range of short and long-term complications of diabetes including foot and eye problems and vascular diseases. It is estimated that one in three residents of the United States will develop diabetes at some point in their life.

On December 20, 2006, the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution to designate November 14 as World Diabetes Day. The occasion aimed to raise awareness of diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition need. Governments, non-governmental organizations and private businesses are encouraged to increase awareness of the disease, particularly among the general population and the media. World Diabetes Day was first commemorated on November 14, 2007, and is observed annually – Excerpt from source here.

Home Page asked Jessica Monger a registered dietitian for the Laurel Health Centers here in Tioga County to review what you need to know about diabetes:

• What puts people at risk for diabetes?
• What are some of the main symptoms for diabetes?
• Why is it so important those with diabetes are proactive about their health?
Watch today’s feature to find out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

If you have more questions or concerns concerning diabetes, Jessica offers her services at the six Laurel Health Centers. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jessica Monger , visit LaurelHC.org or call (570) 662-2002.