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 2023 indicated that 40.1 million people are diagnosed or undiagnosed with diabetes – or 12% of the population. 27.6% of these people don’t know they have it! It’s also estimated that 31.3 million people aged 65 or older have prediabetes.

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. Coos County has significantly higher rates for diabetes and related hospitalization which exceed state and national averages. 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? 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, nerve damage, foot complications, skin and mouth conditions, bone damage, memory and brain health issues, 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.

What can be done to control it? Controlling type 2 diabetes involves a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, routine glucose monitoring, and often medication to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The primary strategies include dietary adjustments, physical activity, weight management, medication, and monitoring blood sugar levels. If diet and exercise aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe oral medications (like metformin), injectable drugs (like GLP-1 agonists), or insulin.

Diabetes Prevention

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 Self-Management

We offer a diabetes self-management program designed to help you understand and manage your diabetes. This program includes an individual appointment with our certified diabetes educator.

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

Call 541-269-8441 for more information.

Diabetes Screening

Diabetes often progresses without symptoms, so screening is crucial for early detection of both prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Early intervention allows you to make lifestyle changes or start a treatment plan that may help prevent or delay severe complications. Type 1 Diabetes is linked to genetics, the autoimmune system, and environment. Type 2 Diabetes is tied to lifestyle and biology: excessive weight, high blood pressure, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, age over 45, or family history.

Unmanaged diabetes can damage blood vessels and organs over time, so its critical to screen early and see your primary care provider to guide you in your care. Put your health first by discovering your risk for type 2 diabetes with an online tool such as the one provided by the American Diabetes Association.

Other Resources

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