'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, September 25, 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 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes-about 8% of the U.S. population; 590,000 of them live in Michigan. Those numbers increase dramatically when you add 57 million with pre-diabetes, and another 6 million that are unaware they even 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' 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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