Community Hospital offering pre-diabetes class

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Community Hospital is offering an educational class, "What is Pre-Diabetes and How Can it be Managed?" for persons who are pre-diabetic or think they may be.

The pre-diabetic class is Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Prairie View A Conference Room at Community Hospital. It will explain what is pre-diabetes and diabetes, how to test for diabetes, normal blood sugar ranges and how to manage pre-diabetes. It also includes exercise tips as well as diet training.

Pre-diabetes means that a person's blood sugar level is higher than normal, but has not increased enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. Still, without intervention, pre-diabetes is likely to become Type 2 diabetes in 10 years or less. And, if someone is pre-diabetic, the long-term damage of diabetes -- especially to your heart and circulatory system -- may already be starting. Unlike diabetes, pre-diabetes often has no signs or symptoms.

Classes will be taught by Monica Wacker RN, certified diabetes educator, and Pat Rice, registered dietician. Total cost of the program is $10. Support people are encouraged to attend with the pre-diabetic at no cost. A light supper will be provided. Attendees' blood sugar will be tested after each class. Pre-registration is required by Monday, Jan. 13. Contact Monica Wacker at 308-344-8539 to pre-register or for any questions, or email her at mwacker@chmcook.org. If you leave a message or send an email, please give your name, telephone number and if you are bringing a support person.

"There's good news for someone who knows they are pre-diabetic," Wacker said. Pre-diabetes can be an opportunity for you to improve your health, because progression from pre-diabetes to Type 2 diabetes isn't inevitable. With healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy foods, including physical activity in your daily routine and maintaining a healthy weight, you may be able to bring your blood sugar level back to normal."

Pre-diabetes Risk Factors

Please attend the pre-diabetic program or ask your doctor about blood glucose screening if you have any risk factors for pre-diabetes, such as:

You are overweight, with a body mass index above 25.

You are inactive.

You are age 45 or older.

You have a family history of type 2 diabetes.

You are African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American or a Pacific Islander.

You developed gestational diabetes when you were pregnant or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds (4.1 kilograms).

You have polycystic ovary syndrome.

You have high blood pressure.

Your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is below 35 mg/dL (0.9 mmol/L) or your triglyceride level is above 250 mg/dL (2.83 mmol/L).

You regularly sleep 5.5 hours or less a night.

Anyone concerned about diabetes should consult their doctor if they notice any Type 2 diabetes signs or symptoms, which are increased thirst and frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

For more information about Community Hospital, go to www.chmccook.org.