Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or
properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar,
starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of
diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental
factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.
There are 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7% of the
population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been
diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly
one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.
One-on-one counseling or group classes are offered by a certified
diabetes educator for patients and families at UAMS
only.
Learning how to care for your diabetes can help
you prevent complications. The handouts below will help provide better
understanding of diabetes.
This Web page can be used in addition to the information you get from your
health care provider. Your health care provider should always be your first
source of health information. Information from this Web page should not be seen
as personal medical advice.
Department of Patient Education
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 West Markham Street #526
Little Rock, AR 72205
Telephone (501) 686-8084 Pager
(501) 688-6874
