September 9 , 2008

Diabetes educators offer life-saving advice

The Diabetes Education Center at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center offers a comprehensive educational program for persons with diabetes, a disease which often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.

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.

HRMC’s Diabetes Education Center focuses on helping people avoid many of the consequences of diabetes through a program of diet and nutritional counseling, blood sugar screening, exercise and education. Specially trained and certified nurses, registered dietitians, counselors and exercise specialists offer support and assistance for men and women needing to manage diabetes.

“The American Diabetes Association recognizes our program for meeting national standards for diabetes self-management education,” said Diabetes Educator and registered nurse Betty Crowley.

Betty Crowley, diabetes educator for Haywood Regional Medical Center, is shown near some of the educational literature the Diabetes Education Center offers.

Crowley provides one-on-one assessments for new diagnoses through physician referrals,, as well as for people who have had diabetes for years or who are just starting on insulin. Some patients, who desire, may stop with the initial assessment. Most, however, prefer to continue with a six-hour education class that is held once a month.

“We also encourage patients to attend the monthly support group meetings, which are free and are held from 4 to 5 p.m. on the last Wednesday of every month at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. Medicare also allows two hours of follow-up care per year, while that varies for private insurers,” Crowley said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 20.8 million Americans — 7 percent of the U.S. population — have diabetes and nearly a third of these Americans are undiagnosed. According to the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, Haywood County’s 2005 population is 54,228 and projected 2010 population is 55,483. There are an estimated 3,796 (7 percent of the 2005 estimated population) people in Haywood County with diabetes. Of this number, 1,139 (30 percent) are undiagnosed, Crowley said.

Some diabetes symptoms include: frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision.
“Complications of diabetes usually happen after someone has had diabetes for many years. Controlling blood sugar can delay or prevent many complications. Diabetes can affect eyes, nerves, kidneys, your heart, blood vessels and your feet,” Crowley said.

Lifestyle management is important for avoiding diabetes or for maintaining the disease once it is acquired, she said.

“Regular exercise helps control blood sugar, helps with weight loss, boosts energy and helps keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. However, people should check with their physician before starting an exercise program,” Crowley said.

“Learning to plan meals and snacks includes knowing what to eat, how much to eat and when to eat,” Crowley said. “Carbohydrates affect blood sugar the most. Carbohydrates include bread, cereal, pasta, starchy vegetables, dried beans, rice, fruits and fruit juices, milk, and sweets-candy, regular soda, sugar, cookies, etc.”

Dietititans advise patients to eat lots of vegetables and fruits; choose whole grain foods over processed grain products; include fish two to three times a week and choosing lean meats; drink water and calorie-free drinks instead of regular soda, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks; and cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips and cakes.

Educational sessions for each participant also include information on medications; urine ketone testing; foot, skin, dental and eye care; insulin administration; acute or chronic complications; stress and psychosocial adjustment; exercise and activity; goal setting and community resources.

A Diabetes Health Fair will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center. This informational health fair is for people with Type 1, Type 2, Gestational or Pre-diabetes, as well as those at risk for developing diabetes.

A seminar will be held the first hour in a second floor classroom at the fitness center. A member of the A1C Champion program will share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and their personal experience. Registration is required for the seminar.

From 2 until 4 p.m., the health fair will be held in the fitness center gym. No registration is required to attend the Diabetes Health Fair. Door prizes will be awarded, vendors will display supplies for people with diabetes, and screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure and foot exams will be offered at no charge.

The Diabetes Education Center hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information about the program or to RSVP for the Diabetes Health Fair seminar, call 452-8088.