Two Free Workshops to Prevent Diabetes

Do you have any risk factors for diabetes? Risk factors include family history, being overweight, or a sedentary lifestyle. Or have you even been told you have pre-diabetes or “borderline” diabetes?

No matter where you are on the risk scale, one of MedStar St. Mary’s Health Connections Diabetes Prevention Workshops can help you steer your life away from the risks associated with this chronic and potentially life threatening disease.

The second A Diabetes Prevention Workshop will he held free of charge  Aug. 1, 2015 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm in the Health Connections office in the Outpatient Pavilion at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, Leonardtown, Maryland.

Attend this free, two-hour workshop taught by a certified diabetes educator and learn how small changes can help you prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Call 301-475-6019 for information.

Here are some key points about diabetes.

• Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
• In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes
• Type 1 Diabetes – the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
• Type 2 Diabetes – the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.
• Gestational Diabetes – this type affects females during pregnancy.
• The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
• Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
• As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored regularly.
• As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
• Hypoglycemia – low blood glucose – can have a bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia – when blood glucose is too high – can also have a bad effect on the patient.