Diabetes Prevention & Treatment

Complete Diabetes Management in Lake County

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of early death in Lake County. Living with diabetes can increase your risk of serious health problems, including:

  • Blindness
  • Amputation
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Nerve damage
Diabetes is a challenging disease to control on your own. The Be Well Lake County program helps you work with your primary care team to manage type 2 diabetes and live a healthier life. 
Be Well Lake County

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. If you have diabetes, your body is not able to make or respond to insulin properly. Insulin acts like a key to your body’s cells. It moves glucose, or blood sugar, from food to the cells of your body to give you energy. With diabetes, glucose can be trapped in your blood without reaching your cells. Over time, too much glucose in your blood can cause serious health problems. However, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and improve your health.

Be Well Lake County

The Be Well program is based on national standards for diabetes care. We help you understand type 2 diabetes so you can improve your life and lower health risks.

The program also provides:

  • Medical visits with your own healthcare team
  • One-on-one nutrition counseling
  • Access to certified diabetes educators
  • Group diabetes education and support classes
  • Referrals for ophthalmology, endocrinology, nephrology, cardiology and podiatry
  • 24/7 access to your health information online

Patient-Centered Care

Be Well provides knowledge and support to you and your caregivers. Your Be Well team includes:
  • Primary Care Provider
  • Nurse
  • Medical Assistant
  • Dietitian
  • Diabetes Educator

Improve Your Health


Through Be Well, you will learn lifestyle changes to improve your health, such as:

  • Meal planning
  • Foot care
  • Medication management
  • Insulin education
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Balancing stress
  • Physical activity
  • Goal Setting

Group Support and Education

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) 
Learn to live a healthy lifestyle and control your diabetes. Classes are offered all over Lake County for patients of the Health Department.  

Healthy Habits, Healthy YOU! 
Losing weight, good nutrition, and exercise can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. In this class you will learn to control your weight and prevent diabetes. Classes are open to all Lake County residents. Limited seats available. 

Call (847) 377-8562 to learn more. Find more classes to help you prevent or manage diabetes at www.diabetesLC.org.

For more information about Be Well Lake County, please call (847) 377-8562.


Testimonials

 
“I’ve had diabetes for 11 years, but this class really helped me understand my diabetes” – Kim, Waukegan

“Having my wife come to the classes was helpful and now she helps me eat foods that don’t make my sugar go up” – José, North Chicago

“I did not feel good about having diabetes, but after meeting with my health team I understand and feel much better about controlling my blood sugar. I look forward to my next appointment.” – Jason, Highland Park

Learn more about diabetes

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