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For immediate release:  Nov. 2, 2007

Diabetes Health Fair could save lives

The Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center Diabetes Education Program will host its annual Diabetes Health Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in the center’s gymnasium.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles, said Lori Bristle, Diabetes Education program director at Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center.

•Type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin.
•Type 2 diabetes results from insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
•Gestational diabetes affects about 4 percent of all pregnant women.
•Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a person’s blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

“It is estimated that 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, or 7 percent of any given population, which means about 3,500 people in Haywood County are likely to have diabetes,” Bristle said.

“Of those 3,500, a third, or more than 1,000, do not know they have diabetes,” she said.

“At the diabetes fair we will offer screenings for people who do not currently have diabetes. We also will offer tips of how to learn the signs and symptoms of diabetes,” Bristle said.

There are also things people can do to lower their chances of developing diabetes, Bristle said, such as working with a dietitian to plan balanced meals and snacks; beginning an exercise program and losing excess weight; checking blood sugar levels regularly; and smokers should quit smoking.

Early detection and regular screenings are key to preventing diabetes complications to the feet and eyes, and can improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.

Diabetic complications can cause nerve and vascular damage, which can eventually lead to foot ulcers and, if not treated in time, can result in amputation.

The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends regular visits to a podiatric physician as part of a comprehensive foot care plan to help reduce the risk of amputation. Additionally, the APMA also recommends keeping feet clean and using lotion to prevent dry or cracked skin; always wearing shoes and socks and choosing shoes that fit well and protect your feet.

HRMC Chef Phil Mohr will give a presentation on preparing healthy holiday dishes and desserts from 1 to 2 p.m. in the second floor classroom of the HRMC Health & Fitness Center. Mohr will demonstrate how to use artificial sweetener and will treat participants with samples of what he makes.

In addition to information and displays of diabetes-related products, participants at the fair can receive vision and foot exams and a free blood glucose screening. There also will be drawings for door prizes.

Registration for Mohr’s presentation is required, as seating is limited to 72 people. To reserve a seat or for more information about the diabetes fair, call 452-8088.

No registration is required to attend the Diabetes Health Fair, which will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.