Free Diabetes Classes Offered By Health Departments

September 16, 2011

(WISE, Va.) – The LENOWISCO Health District has good news about diabetes. People who keep their blood glucose as close to normal as possible in the early years after they are diagnosed with diabetes have fewer problems with their eyes, nerves, and kidneys, and fewer heart problems later in life.

Many people would like to get their diabetes under better control, but don’t know how to do it. Local health departments can help. Free diabetes education classes will be offered at each local health department in the LENOWISCO District to anyone who is interested in doing something positive about their diabetes. Caregivers and individuals who are at-risk of diabetes are also invited to attend classes.

“Nuts and Bolts of Diabetes” will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 21 and repeated on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. This workshop is will provide general information on what diabetes is, how it is diagnosed, complications of the disease, self-monitoring of blood glucose, managing high and low blood glucose, general guidelines for eating and exercise, diabetes medications, foot care, stress management and sick day guidelines.

“I Have Diabetes, Now What Do I Eat?” will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and repeated on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. each day. This class provides up-to-date, helpful information participants can readily use to plan heart-healthy meals that will improve their blood glucose control. Topics include nutrient effects on blood glucose, serving sizes, reading food labels, use of non-nutritive sweeteners, fats and fiber.

“Getting a Handle on Diabetes Medications and Glucose Numbers” will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and repeated on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. This workshop reviews medications available to treat type 1 and 2 diabetes, including oral and inject able medications. The course will introduce the different types of oral medication and explain how they work and their benefits and risks. The course also will review target glucose numbers and case studies of daily glucose patterns, to teach how eating, activity and medication can be adjusted to improve glucose patterns.

“Eat Smart, Get Active” will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 30 and repeated on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. This workshop focuses on the “how to” aspects of making changes in eating and activity. The class provides practical tips for simple, inexpensive ways to eat smarter and get more active.

All classes will be taught by experienced, certified diabetes educators from the University of Virginia Diabetes Education and Management Program. The programs are broadcast live from UVA using telehealth technology that allows the educators to speak directly with those attending the class at various locations. These programs have received positive reviews from past participants. They are informative, interesting, and free. People can take as many or as few as they wish.

Class locations are as follows:

  • Lee County Health Department, 134 Hill St., Jonesville.
  • Scott County Health Department, 190 Beech St., Suite 102, Gate City.
  • Wise County/Norton City Health Department, 134 Roberts Ave. SW, Wise.

To register for these free classes, contact your local health department representative:

  • Lorene Allen at the Lee County Health Department, 276-346-4389;
  • Leslie Gillenwater at the Scott County Health Department, 276-386-8015;
  • Shirley Miller at the Wise County/Norton City Health Department, 276-328-1916.