Diabetes and Healthy Living

In Monterey County, more than half the population has diabetes or prediabetes. If you or someone you care about is in this group, we can help. With education and lifestyle changes, diabetes can be prevented or delayed, and some of its more serious complications avoided.

Learning to manage diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that prevents your body from properly using energy from the food you eat. Over time, diabetes can cause serious health problems including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and even death - if you don't learn to manage it. We have classes, programs and services to help you learn to manage your diabetes, wherever you are in your journey. Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula’s Outpatient Diabetes Education Program has been Recognized by the American Diabetes Association for Quality Self-Management Education* and Support. The ADA says education is particularly important at these times: 

• At diagnosis, so you can understand the disease, learn about treatments, set goals, and receive emotional support to live a healthy life, free of complications
• At an annual assessment, to gauge how you’re doing and review skills and behaviors to maintain good health
• When complications develop, affecting your ability to manage your diabetes
• When changes in care occur, such as admission to the hospital or changes in your treatment routine