What is Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.

The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren’t high enough to be called diabetes. And prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy. But it may go away after the baby is born.

Events & Classes

DPP Program

DSME Program

Are you at risk for Diabetes?

If you score 5 or higher ….

You are at increased risk for having diabetes. However, only your doctor can tell for sure if you do have diabetes or pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Higher body weight increases diabetes risk for everyone. Asian Americans are at increased diabetes risk at lower body weight than the rest of the general public (about 15 pounds lower).

A Message From

DSME Program

According to the American Diabetes Association, “Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is the ongoing process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care. This process incorporates the needs, goals, and life experiences of the person with diabetes and is guided by evidence-based standards.

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The overall objectives of DSME are to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, problem-solving and active collaboration with the health care team and to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life.

The Franklin County Health Department is pleased to offer DSME Classes to the public. It is presented by a Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian and Registered Nurse. Attendance at the entire session is highly encouraged.

The material covered during the 8 hour sessions will include the following: healthy coping for diabetes, monitoring & management, acute complications, nutrition and physical activity, preventing long term complications and sick day management.

For more information or to inquire about class dates and times, please contact:at 564-7647

Updated Feb 21, 2025