4326 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60641

Diabetes Program

HELPING THE NATIVE COMMUNITY MANAGE AND PREVENT DIABETES

Join our new Diabetes Education Program with Dr. Erum Qureshi, designed to help you manage diabetes through education and lifestyle changes.

This program covers diabetes risks, symptoms, types, management, medications, diet, and treatments. You’ll receive personalized guidance on healthy eating, managing your blood sugar, and making sustainable dietary changes.

In addition, our program includes a monthly cooking class to support your goals. It’s available both in-person at our clinic and virtually. Start your journey to better diabetes management today!

Healthy Habits to Manage Diabetes

“The Diabetes Education Program at AISHC, along with our monthly cooking classes, is designed to help individuals in Native American community here in Chicago make lasting changes to manage and prevent diabetes. The rise of obesity in the US, especially in the Native community, is largely due to more sedentary lifestyles and the increased availability of high-fat foods. By providing practical, culturally relevant food choices and supporting healthier habits through our program, we can help the community take control of their wellness and build a stronger, healthier future for our families.”

DR. ERUM QURESHI, DIABETES EDUCATOR

What is Diabetes?

What is diabetes mellitus?

  • Blood sugar is too high. Too much sugar in the blood is not good for your health.

What is pre-diabetes?

  • Blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus:

  • Type 1 Diabetes – About ~5% of those diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It’s diagnosed primarily in children and young adults, and it is due to the body not being able to produce insulin.
  • Type 2 Diabetes – About 95% of those diagnosed with diabetes are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the cells in the muscles, liver and fat do not use insulin properly. Eventually the body can’t make enough insulin which leads to high blood pressure.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty or hungry even though you are eating regularly
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts / Bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss – even though you are eating more (Type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands / feet (Type 2)
  • Not living a healthy lifestyle
  • Overweightness
  • No physical activity

Risk Factors

  • Family members / Immediate family members with a history of diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Smoking

Diabetic Screening and Care

We provide diabetes screenings here at AIHSC as well as out-patient diabetes care and treatment. Adjustments in care and treatment are done in collaboration with clinician and patient.

More REsources

American Diabetes Association Resources

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Are You at Risk?
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A1C Testing
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Know Your Numbers
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Diabetes Medication
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What Can I Eat?

Make Your Appointment Today

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