What is Diabetes?
If you or someone you love has diabetes, you’re not alone. We have tools, tips, and support to help you feel your best. Even if you don’t have diabetes, we can help you stay healthy and lower your risk.
Diabetes is a health problem that happens when your body has trouble using sugar (called glucose) for energy. This causes too much sugar to build up in your blood.
Your body needs a hormone called insulin to move sugar from your blood into your cells. People with diabetes either don’t make enough insulin or their body doesn’t use it well.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 – The body stops making insulin. People with type 1 need to take insulin every day.
- Type 2 – The body doesn’t use insulin well. This is the most common type and can often be managed with healthy food, exercise, and medicine.
Without treatment, diabetes can cause serious health problems—but with the right care, people with diabetes can live healthy, active lives.
Our Care Coordinators can help you learn about diabetes and how to take care of it at home. They can also help you sign up for the programs listed on this page.
Call or email us to get started!
Diabetes Prevention (DPP)
National Diabetes Prevention Program Through Oregon Wellness Network (OWN): The CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is OWN’s lifestyle change program. It was developed specifically for people who have prediabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes, but who do not already have diabetes. Participants will receive weekly support from a trained lifestyle coach for a year and will improve overall health by losing weight and becoming more active.
Click here to complete an online referral form to start your DPP journey.
Diabetes Self-Management (DSMES)
Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support Through Oregon Wellness Network (OWN): OWN’s DSMES program provides information and skills for people to manage their diabetes and related conditions. This program combines:
- Group workshops for diabetes self-management (Living Well with Diabetes).
- An opportunity to meet one-on-one with a registered dietician (Medical Nutrition Therapy) or a diabetes educator.
Click here to complete an online referral form to start your DSMES journey.