Diabetes
Program

Everything we do at Bay Area Hospital is people-centered. That’s why we are committed to helping our patients be successful in managing their diabetes, providing classes and resources so you can find options that work for you and your lifestyle. We are thrilled to announce that our Diabetes Program is nationally recognized by the American Diabetes Association. We are always looking on ways to support more patients as they work to improve their health.

What is Diabetes?

A National Diabetes Statistic Report compiled in 2020 indicated that 13.2% of adults in the U.S. have this condition and, further, that 21.4% of these people don’t know they have it!

We’ve learned that 11.3% of adults in Coos County and 20.4% of those in Jefferson County had diabetes at the time of a 2017 local study, Unfortunately, in today’s world those numbers may be much higher as teenagers, who are now more sedentary and consume more fast food, are increasingly diagnosed with Type 2 (“Adult Onset”) diabetes.

So, what exactly is diabetes and what can be done to control it? Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, and this results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood and urine.

Diabetes damages blood vessels and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and/or vision loss. Medical professionals diagnose diabetes by measuring the level of blood sugar in their patients and this measurement is continued over time to ensure that the disease is under control.

Our Certified Diabetes Educator Rita Hoover, RN, CDCES and a team of allied health professionals are busy at work helping patients learn to control their symptoms and, thereby, assure better health. Our program, which has been in place for more than 25 years, continues to grow in size and scope and its quality and person-centered approach is recognized by the American Diabetes Association through the certification process that takes place every four years.

Diabetes Prevention

Prevention is key when it comes to diabetes and we offer a FREE one-time class that will teach you how to slow or prevent the progression of diabetes. This is a great class for those that have  pre-diabetes, are glucose intolerant, or have other risk factors for diabetes.

Classes are offered two times per year and dates vary.

Please call (541) 266-7928 for more information.

Diabetes Self-Management

We offer a diabetes self-management program designed to help you understand and manage your diabetes. This program has four classes and also includes an individual appointment with a registered dietitian.

You must have a referral from your physician/healthcare provider to enroll.

Call (541) 269-8441 for more information.

Diabetes Screening

Bay Area Hospital offers FREE diabetes blood glucose screening on the fourth Thursday of every month from 9 to 10 a.m.

If you are at risk of developing diabetes, have a family history of diabetes, or have a history of high blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglycerides then we encourage you to get screened.

Call Rita Hoover at (541) 266-7928.
Location: Bay Area Hospital Spruce Conference Room 1775 Thompson Road Coos Bay, OR 97420

Diabetes Review

If you want to learn more about a specific aspect of diabetes care, then the Diabetes Review class is for you. We meet the first Tuesday of every month from noon to 1:30 p.m. We encourage family members or support persons to attend.

Please call (541) 266-7928 for more information.

Talk Group and Resources

We know that diabetes can affect all aspects of your life. It is important for you to get the support you need to cope with the many challenging aspects of managing diabetes. We offer a Diabetes Talk Group to help you maintain your physical and emotional health.

Call (541) 756-4387.

Other Resources

Currently there is an ABC Diabetic Walk and Talk that takes place at Mingus Park. Visit www.southcoastdiabetes.org for more information or call (541) 756-9054.

You can sign up for our FREE online newsletter to learn more about diabetes and diabetes care. Please email Rita Hoover.