Center for Diabetes Frequently Asked Questions

Are there different types of diabetes?

Yes. The most common type is called type 2. Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2.

What are the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes?

• Family history of type 2 diabetes
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise
• Being overweight or recent weight gain
• Aging or being older than 45 years
• History of gestational diabetes
• History of pre-diabetes

How can I decrease my chances of being diagnosed with diabetes?

There are ways to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with diabetes.

• If you are overweight, lose weight.
• Become more active.
• Make healthy food choices.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

• Excess thirst
• Frequent urination (more than usual)
• Lack of energy or feeling more tired than usual
• Change in weight
• Blurred vision

What can people do to manage diabetes?

• Eat moderate portions of healthy foods.
• Count carbohydrates.
• Become more active.
• Check your blood glucose (sugar) and aim for your target numbers.
• Take medicines as prescribed for diabetes.
• Reduce your stress level in a way that is best for you.

What causes the blood sugar to go up in someone who has diabetes?

• Skipping diabetes medicine or not taking the right amount
• Not enough activity or exercise
• Eating too much
• Stress
• Illness, infection, or pain

What is ketoacidosis?

Ketoacidosis may occur if your high blood sugar is not treated properly or not treated at all. People who have Type 1 diabetes are more at risk for ketoacidosis than people with Type 2 diabetes. Ketoacidosis can lead to extreme weakness, confusion, or coma.

What are the warning signs of ketoacidosis?

High blood sugar with:

• Fruity smelling or acidic breath
• Stomach pain or cramps
• Difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• Moderate to large amounts of ketones in your urine

Call your doctor or 911 if you are experiencing one or more of the signs of ketoacidosis.

What are the signs of low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar occurs when your blood glucose levels are below 70mg/dl.
Signs include:

• Cold sweat
• Feeling shaky
• Headache
• Fast heart rate
• Dizzy
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Irritable

Can I make an appointment to speak to the outpatient Diabetes Educator or do I have to go to a class?

In the Center for Diabetes Education program, education is provided in individual appointments and classes. All appointments require a doctor’s referral and pre-registration. Individual appointments can be made from early morning through early evening. Classes are held in English only, but individual education can be provided in Spanish. If needed, all diabetes class topics can be taught in individual appointments. Insulin or other injectable diabetes medicine training is taught only in individual appointments.

What is taught in the classes?

There are three class sessions (3 hours each) in the series. Topics include overview of diabetes, nutrition and meal planning, exercise guidelines, medication information, monitoring or checking blood glucose (blood sugar), short and long term complications or problems related to diabetes, stress management, changing behaviors and goal setting.

Is there a fee for the classes?

There is a fee of $25.00 for the entire class series. All appointments and classes are held in the Wellness Center of Winter Haven Hospital, 200 Avenue F NE, Winter Haven, FL. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Please call for dates and times.

Are there diabetes support groups?

Winter Haven Hospital hosts support groups for adults with diabetes and families of children with diabetes.

For more information about the outpatient education program, to register for an appointment or class, or to confirm dates and times, please call 863-297-1706.