Diabetes Care
Approximately 10.6% of the adult population in Hawai'i have diagnosed diabetes. An additional 39,000 people in Hawaii have diabetes but don’t know it, greatly increasing their health risk.
*American Diabetes Association
How can we work together to effectively manage and improve diabetes care?
Your voice matters!
*Please note the Waimea Diabetes Care Gathering Event was rescheduled to Thursday, January 16, 2025. All other details are the same. If you already registered for the event, you will not need to re-register. Mahalo.
Please join us for a talk story session at one of our Diabetes Care community gatherings. We want to listen to understand your experiences with diabetes care and management in Hawai'i in order to build a better policy for handing diabetes healthcare.
These events are free to the public and dinner will be provided. Please RSVP if you would like to contribute to the improvement of healthcare in your community.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). There are several types of diabetes, but the most common ones are:
Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in children and young adults, but it can occur at any age1.
Type 2 Diabetes: This type occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin. It is more common in adults, but increasing numbers of children are being diagnosed with it1.
Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life1.
Prediabetes: This is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes. It is a warning sign that you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes1.
Managing diabetes typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medication to keep blood sugar levels under control2. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.
*Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes
If you manage your own or someone else's diabetes care, we warmly invite you to please join us for a FREE Diabetes Care Gathering to talk story about your personal journey and experiences. Together, we can shape better diabetes care in Hawai'i by sharing what truly matters to you.
This is a free event!
A meal will be provided at no additional cost & all guests will receive a Mahalo Bag.