'Pre-Diabetes' Workshop Scheduled at BCHS

The Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center is hosting a workshop for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes or those with a family history of the disease on Monday, January 11, in the Battle Creek Health System Medical Office Building, Suite 309 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $25 per person. To register, call (877) 462-2247.

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by the body's inability to make or use its own insulin to control blood sugar. People with diabetes must regulate their blood sugar or risk serious health consequences. More than 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes; 590,000 of them live in Michigan. Those numbers increase dramatically when you add another six million that are unaware they have it.

Since diabetes will not go away, it means that people diagnosed with it will go through various stages of adjustment until symptoms stabilize. The goal is to get through those times so the patient can accept and manage their diabetes.

But, 'pre-diabetes,' which is also a serious medical condition, can be treated. A recent study showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range. The BCHS 'pre-diabetes' class will provide information so participants can make the health behavior changes that can help prevent the disease and its complications.

Diabetes is often called a self-management disease, which means that the patient takes charge of their condition. But that does not mean they have to manage it alone. It is true that diabetics should make healthy food choices, stay physically active, monitor blood sugars, and take medications as prescribed by their physicians, but others can help too. In fact, everyone who is pre-diabetic or diagnosed with diabetes should have a support team. The person with diabetes is the captain of the group-- the others are there to support the diabetic's efforts. Team members may include a primary physician, nurse educator, dietitian, certified diabetes educator (CDE), podiatrist, kidney specialist, dermatologist, pharmacist, and others with knowledge and experience with the disease. Family and friends can also play important roles on the team.

The Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center has a support group meeting every month. The sessions include presentations on diet and nutrition; coping and stress management, exercise, medications, and other important topics that help diabetics better manage their condition. If interested in participating in outpatient diabetes classes, please contact the diabetes center. It can help the patient obtain a referral.

For more information about diabetes, call the BCHS Diabetes Center at (269) 966-8190.

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