Final 'Pre-Diabetes' Workshop Scheduled
at BCHS
he Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center is hosting
its final 2009 workshop for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes
or those with a family history of the disease on Thursday,
December 17, in the Battle Creek Health System Medical
Office Building, Suite 309 from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $25
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
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. We can help
the patient obtain a referral.
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 21 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, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network,
is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery
Excellence Award(tm) and 2009 Five Star rated for joint
replacement surgery and total knee replacement. 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. |
