Diabetes
Know more about diabetes to make the right decisions for your health.
One in four Americans has diabetes and doesn’t know it. In Delaware, the prevalence of diabetes has almost doubled in recent years. The information here will help you better understand diabetes and provide guidance on how this serious chronic condition can be treated and managed.
Start Here
Find the diabetes information that fits your situation.
Choose a diabetes type to learn what it means, what symptoms to watch for, and where to find support.
Prediabetes
Learn your risk factors, symptoms, and prevention steps.
Type 1 Diabetes
Understand symptoms, insulin care, and daily support.
Type 2 Diabetes
Find treatment, lifestyle resources, and local programs.
Gestational Diabetes
Learn what to expect during pregnancy and after delivery.
Small choices add up.
Movement, meals, medicine, and monitoring can all support blood-sugar control.
Diabetes Basics
What is diabetes?
Diabetes, also known as hyperglycemia, is a chronic but treatable condition that occurs when the body cannot regulate glucose (sugar) in the blood, allowing it to rise to unhealthy levels.
Diabetes is a progressive disease. Even if diabetes isn’t treated with medications at first, the need to use medications to control diabetes may increase over time.
Chronic
Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects blood sugar.
Treatable
Healthy routines, medicine, and support can help manage it.
Progressive
Care plans may change over time as the body’s needs change.
How It Works
How does diabetes affect the body?
Diabetes affects the glucose the body generates after breaking down food. When a person has diabetes, there is a problem with the insulin — either the body doesn’t make enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does make very well.
Food Becomes Glucose
After you eat, the body breaks food down into glucose that enters the blood.
Insulin Moves It
Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells for energy or storage.
Diabetes Disrupts It
When insulin is missing or not used well, glucose can rise to unhealthy levels.
Next Steps
Turn information into a plan.
Use these resources to learn how to manage diabetes, build healthy routines, and get hands-on support in Delaware.
Live Well With Diabetes
Build a care routine around food, activity, provider visits, and supplies.
Learn MoreFind Healthy Living Tools
Locate fresh food, parks, fitness centers, and other resources near you.
Learn MoreJoin a Free Program
Learn practical skills through Delaware’s Diabetes Self-Management Program.
Learn MoreEducation Programs
Find diabetes education close to home.
The following diabetes education programs in our area are recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) and meet the ADA’s National Standards for Excellence in Diabetes Education.
Classes generally include a fee, but recognized programs may be covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Call your insurance company to check on your coverage benefits. Most diabetes education facilities also sponsor free support groups.
Look for recognized programs.
Program recognition helps confirm the class meets national standards for diabetes education.
New Castle County
Nemours Children’s Health
1600 Rockland RoadWilmington, DE 19803
Call 302-651-5965
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
Christiana Care Health Services
501 W. 14th StWilmington, DE 19801
Call 302-320-9069
Sponsoring Organization: Wilmington Hospital Campus
Kent County
Bayhealth
640 S. State St.Dover, DE 19901
Call 302-744-6307
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus
Sussex County
Bayhealth — Sussex Campus
100 Wellness WayMilford, DE 19963
Call 302-422-3311
Sponsoring Organization: Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus
Beebe Healthcare
18947 John J. HighwaySuite 210Rehoboth, DE 19971
Call 302-645-3121
Sponsoring Organization: Beebe Medical Arts Building
I & O Diabetes Consultants
203 Mitchel St.Suite BMillsboro, DE 19966
Call 302-853-3046
Email diabetesexpert22@gmail.com
TidalHealth — Nanticoke Campus
801 Middleford RoadSeaford, DE 19973
Call 302-629-6611 x2288
Sponsoring Organization: Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
Free Classes
The Delaware Diabetes Self-Management Program can help you manage diabetes.
Register for a free Diabetes Self-Management Program that can help you learn what you can do to stay healthy.
Helpful links
Diabetes in Delaware
The diabetes mortality rate has declined over the past two decades. However, the diabetes mortality rate for African American Delawareans is more than twice that of Caucasian Delawareans.
Healthy Living
Live better. Our Healthy Lifestyle Map will show you where you can find fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and how to stay active at local fitness centers and parks.