Diabetes HealthSource Offers October Classes to Help People Manage Diabetes, Prevent Other Problems
September 28, 2011
Glucose Monitor
Diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, can cause several other serious health problems, which is why managing the disease is so important. Highland Hospital’s Diabetes HealthSource is offering a series of classes to teach people with diabetes how to control the disease through lifestyle changes.
"Living with Diabetes" classes are scheduled for Saturdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29 and will meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Highland in the Calihan Conference Room. The cost of the classes is covered by most insurers with one co-pay, and each participant can bring a support person. Parking is free. For more information or to register, call (585) 341-7066.
Diabetes affects 8.3 percent of the U.S. population, according to the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease is the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-limb amputations and new cases of blindness, and it is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.
Class participants will learn how to better manage their diabetes to improve their health and quality of life. Certified Diabetes Educators will be available to make recommendations on healthy food choices, physical activity and stress management. Guest speakers and experts in exercise, medications and emotions will help patients develop personalized plans to manage their diabetes.
About 1.9 million people ages 20 and older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the United States, according to the CDC. Diabetes and pre-diabetes can strike anyone, but some groups are at higher risk. Diabetes is most common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans. Other risk factors include: being 45 or older, being overweight, having a family member with diabetes, having high blood pressure (above 140 over 90) and lack of exercise.