Highland Offers Evening Classes to Help People Manage Diabetes Symptoms
July 08, 2011
Glucose tester
Highland Hospital’s Diabetes HealthSource is offering a four-week evening class to help people manage diabetes through lifestyle changes. "Living with Diabetes" classes will meet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, starting Aug. 2 at Highland Hospital in the Calihan Conference Room. The cost of the class is covered by most insurers with co-pay, and each participant can bring a support person. Parking is free. For more information or to register, call (585) 341-7066.
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.
As the obesity rate increases, so does the number of people with diabetes. A recent study showed one in four people in New York State is obese, and the state’s diabetes rate has nearly doubled since 1995, from 4.7 percent to 8.7 percent.
People with diabetes can lower their risk for serious complications, including blindness, kidney damage and cardiovascular disease, by monitoring blood sugar and following a healthy meal and exercise plan.
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.