National Diabetes Awareness Day was Monday, November 14th. Diabetes causes more deaths in a single year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Because diabetes is related to so many health problems, two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. It is the leading cause of kidney failure and also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults. The rate of amputation for people with diabetes is 10 times higher than for people without diabetes.
To raise awareness of this disease, Pocahontas Memorial Hospital offered free glucose checks at Pocahontas IGA Monday afternoon for shoppers and employees. Anyone getting their glucose checked was entered in a drawing for a $50.00 gift certificate for groceries. Bill McMann, of Marlinton, was the winner.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Pocahontas County has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the state with almost 11% of our population aged 20 or older being told by a doctor that they have diabetes. Not included in this are the many folks who are at risk for diabetes or have pre diabetes or simply do not know that they have diabetes. Almost 26 million people in the United States have diabetes and it is estimated that as many as one in every three adults will have the disease by the year 2050.
Pocahontas Memorial Hospital wants to help all those affected by diabetes or prediabetes. Terry Wagner serves not only as the Chief Operating Officer, but also as a Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse. Terry is eager to help anyone in any stages of this disease learn more about diabetes and their treatment and management options. You may reach Terry by calling the hospital at 304-799-7400 ext. 1032. Please visit our website at www.pmhwv.org/pmhdiabetes to learn more about the many opportunities we offer for education and support.
