May 2, 2011
-Lee, Scott and Wise Co. Health Depts. offer free diabetes classes-
(NORTON, 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.
“This is important news for people affected by diabetes,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the LENOWISCO Health District (Virginia Department of Health). “Diabetes is a serious disease. Managing the disease is not easy but the benefits are worth the effort. People need to work to keep their blood glucose as close to normal as is safe for them, what is called their target range, to reduce their chance of serious health problems.”
Many people would like to get their diabetes under better control, but don’t know how to do it. Local health departments can help. In May and June, free diabetes education classes will be offered 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.
A class called “Nuts and Bolts of Diabetes” will be offered on Wednesday, May 18, and again on Wednesday, June 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. each day at the following locations:
- Lee County Health Department, 134 Hill St., in Jonesville;
- Scott County Health Department, Community Room, 190 Beech St., Suite 102, in Gate City; and
- Wise County Health Department, 134 Roberts Ave., in Wise.
This class 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. “It is a great general overview of diabetes management and would be useful for those who are newly diagnosed as well as those who have not had diabetes education or need a refresher,” adds Dr. Cantrell.
A second class called “I Have Diabetes, Now What Do I Eat?” will be offered on Wednesday, May 25, and again on Wednesday, June 29, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. each day at the following locations:
- Lee County Health Department, 134 Hill St., in Jonesville;
- Scott County Health Department, Community Room, 190 Beech St., Suite 102, in Gate City; and
- Wise County Health Department, 134 Roberts Ave., in Wise.
This class will go into much more detail on healthy eating for people with diabetes, including basic healthy eating principles, an introduction to controlling carbohydrates, meal planning approaches and heart-healthy eating. “This class packs a lot of very useful information into two and a half hours and is a must for those who have questions about how to eat when you have diabetes,” said Dr. Cantrell.
Both classes will be taught by experienced, certified diabetes educators from the University of Virginia (UVA) Diabetes Education and Management Program. The programs will be broadcast live from UVA using telehealth technology that allows the educators to speak directly with those attending the class at various locations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to better care for your diabetes and to get your questions answered. To register for these classes call Lorene Allen at the Lee County Health Department, 276-346-2011, Jennifer Beaver at the Scott County Health Department, 276-386-1312, or Shirley Miller at the Wise County Health Department, 276-328-1916.
The programs are sponsored by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Minority Health and Health Equity and organized by the Virginia Center for Diabetes Professional Education at the University of Virginia.