'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 Thursday,
July 24, in the Battle Creek Health System Medical Office
Building, Suite 309 from 7-9 p.m. Cost is $20 per person.
To register, call (269) 966-8190.
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 14 million children and adults in the United States
have diabetes; 300,000 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.
To participate in the outpatient classes, a referral
from your physician is needed.
For more information about diabetes, call the BCHS
Diabetes Center at (269) 966-8190.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent
organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic
health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing
homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care
agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS
Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission
on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle
Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades
Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades
is a leading health care information company that provides
objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides
excellent health care for the community and promotes
wellness for the whole person with access and compassion
for all. For the latest medical information, visit the
BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing
Department at (269) 966-8132.
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