Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, which is necessary for the body to break down food into glucose (sugar) for energy. When there isn't enough insulin, glucose can't get into the body's cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, the body's cells don't function properly.
Over the years, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Kidney disease
- Nerve problems
- Amputation
Of the 20 million Americans who have diabetes, 90% have type 2 diabetes. Although there is no cure, those who have type 2 diabetes can work with their doctor to control blood sugar, which can help reduce the risk of complications. People with type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives through the following:
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Doctor prescribed medication
- Nutrition (healthy diet)
- Fitness
Virtua's diabetes program is led by supportive certified diabetes educators. The team helps patients learn to reduce their risk of long-term complications and manage each type of diabetes.
Virtua also offers a variety of programs, including an outpatient diabetes self-management education program that is one of three programs in the region recognized for excellence by the American Diabetes Association. Additional diabetes programs offered at Virtua include:
- Weight management programs
- Diabetes fitness classes at the William G. Rohrer Center for HealthFitness
- Stress management program
- Halloween candy exchange for kids with diabetes
- Safe syringe disposal program
- Support groups for pediatric, adolescent and adult diabetes
- Outpatient nutrition counseling with continuous glucose monitoring