“You have pre-diabetes”…. “You have type 2-diabetes”
Maybe you’ve heard these words from your physician. What did you think? How did you feel? For most of us these words are very overwhelming. After learning that you have diabetes or if you develop diabetes-related complications, you may be feeling angry, scared, or depressed. These are all very common and normal feelings.
•Where do I start?
•What will I eat?
•How do I manage?
The good news is, diabetes is manageable. People who know how to take care of their diabetes can live successfully with their condition.
Sarah’s Story-
“About four years ago, I developed type 2 diabetes,” said Sarah. “I was surprised by this. No one in my family had been diagnosed with diabetes. My physician suggested that I try and lose some weight. Unfortunately, losing weight was tough for me. I ended up on medication for about a year and a half to help keep my blood sugar levels in check. One day after a visit with my dietitian, I decided to do more reading related to diabetes. After reading more and more about some of the long term complications: Blindness, heart disease, stroke and kidney damage – I needed to make a change! But how? SMALL Steps…. I started walking. Not for long periods of time…. a few minutes here and there at first, but it helped. Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to snack! I started by making some healthier snack choices. Believe me, this wasn’t easy, but it has paid off! Finally I joined a class, called Healthy Living with Diabetes. This is a class offered specifically for individuals diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. I learned a lot about healthy eating, meal planning, exercise, stress, blood sugar levels, foot care and so much more! This was just the support I needed to get on track with my diabetes. I met a lot of great people who were in the same situation I was: newly diagnosed and wanting to make a change. I would recommend it to anyone who has had type 2 diabetes for a long time, newly diagnosed or for those with pre-diabetes. The information that I walked away with was so helpful.”
The Aging and Disability Resource Center will be offering a Healthy Living with Diabetes program on Fridays, April 6-May 11 from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill (300 Logan St.). Registration is required. Call Jennifer at the ADRC-CW for more information or to pre-register at 715-536-0311 or [email protected]. Cost: Suggested contribution of $10 for entire six-week class.