Diabetes
Program Overview
NVIH operates a comprehensive diabetes program encompassing all aspects of care for individuals and families living with diabetes. The program involves three (3) key components:
- Clinical Primary Care: Medical and Dental primary care in two (2) locations; and Podiatry and Ophthalmology services by referral.
- Diabetes Self-Management Education: Individual one-to-one and family counseling in all matters diabetic by a Board Certified Diabetes Educator and Masters Prepared Registered Dietitian.
- Outreach Services: Talking Circle (meets every Thurdsay in Chico and every first and third Tuesday in Willows), home visitation services, and Behavioral Health services.
Other Services Under Development
- On-site Teleophthalmology screening for diabetic eye disease
- Tobacco cessation program
- In-clinic childhood overweight and diabetes prevention
- Weight Watchers for Native Americans
To learn more about Diabetes, you can call 1-800-diabetes (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.
The ABC’s
A is for A1C: The name of the test we use to see what your average blood sugar has been in the past three (3) months. People who keep their blood sugars as close to normal as possible have the least complications from diabetes – plus they feel better. Do you know what your last A1C was?
B is for Blood Pressure: The closer your blood pressure is to normal, the less risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney, and eye disease associated with out of control diabetes. Less than 130/80 is recommended.
C is for Cholesterol: Diabetes really involves more than just blood sugar. Keeping your blood fats and cholesterol in the healthy range is a powerful way to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Besides eating healthy and exercising, there are some very effective and well-tolerated medicines that help keep the blood fats in the healthy range.
