What disease kills more Americans every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined? The answer is diabetes. One in 5 Americans are at higher risk for developing diabetes and many are not even aware when they do develop the disease.

Symptoms to watch for include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. Individuals with one or more of these diabetes symptoms are strongly encouraged to see their health care provider right away.

Living Better with Diabetes, a 4-week course presented by Tillamook County General Hospital, provides information and tools for living successfully with diabetes, including tips on diet and nutrition, information about medications, and tools for dealing with long and short term complications.

A physician’s referral and a call to the hospital’s scheduling line 503-815-2292 (503-368-6544 ext 2292 from North Tillamook County) will get things started. Many insurance companies cover the cost of the course. Financial counseling and assistance is available for those with questions about payment. 

The next Living Better with Diabetes course will be held March 4-25, 2010, in Tillamook. A 1-hour personal nutritional consultation with a dietitian is followed by 10 hours of classroom time.  Course past participants give enthusiastic endorsements: “Need to know about diabetes? This is the class to take! All questions are answered or they will be researched to get an answer to you.”

For more information about resources for living successfully with diabetes, call 503-815-2429 (503-368-6544 ext 2429 from North Tillamook County). The American Diabetes Association recognizes Tillamook County General Hospital’s diabetes education program as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education. The hospital has been a nationally certified diabetes education provider since 2008.

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