Take Action to Lower Your Risk
Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes – including nearly 5,000 people in Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties. It is estimated that nearly one-third of the people with diabetes do not know that they have the disease. In addition, an estimated 79 million adults are estimated to have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing the disease.
“Diabetes is a serious disease, particularly when it is left undiagnosed or untreated,” said Community Health Network Registered Dietitian Kathleen Legare “Everyone should be aware of their risk for diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes – such as a mother, father, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes – or if you had diabetes during pregnancy – you need to know that you are at increased risk.”
Other risk factors for diabetes include being overweight, physically inactive, and being over the age of 45. If left undiagnosed or untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation, and even death. With early diagnosis and treatment, people with diabetes can delay or prevent the development of these health problems.
“If you are at risk for diabetes, the good news is that you can take action now to lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by making – and maintaining – healthy lifestyle changes,” adds Danielle Krueger, Registered Dietitian at CHN.
Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by losing a small amount of weight – 5 to 7 percent (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) – and becoming more active. Action steps include making healthy food choices and being active at least 30 minutes, five days per week.
To help people who are pre-diabetic, Community Health Network is conducting quarterly educational sessions to demonstrate how the small steps people take today can reap big rewards in the future. The first of these 2 hour classes will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 (from 6-8pm) in the Lower Level Meeting Room at Berlin Memorial Hospital Campus of CHN. There is a fee of $25 per person or $40 per couple. Space is limited so call the CHN Dietitians at 920.361.5509 to reserve your space.
