Medical Social Work

Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition where your body cannot make or use insulin correctly. Insulin helps change sugar into energy to keep you alive. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes is mostly found in children and young adults. If you have Type 1 Diabetes, your body does not make insulin and you must take insulin shots every day. Most people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes, and are usually over 45 years of age, have diabetes in their family, are overweight, don't exercise or have cholesterol problems. It is also common in certain racial and ethnic groups (African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanics) and in women who had diabetes when they were pregnant. If you have Type 2 Diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin or correctly use it.

We offer adjustment counseling, assistance in obtaining diabetic supplies, support and financial/insurance information and referral to assist you in managing your diabetes.

Helpful Links:
The Michigan Diabetes Outreach Network

American Diabetes Association

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases

 

Sindecuse Health Center
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 5445 USA
(269) 387-3287 | (269) 387-3204 Fax
shc-webmail@wmich.edu