Whether you have been living with diabetes for years or just received the diagnosis of diabetes, learning about your diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer, healthier life.

Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition characterized by high blood sugar in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.

Insulin is the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. It is estimated that nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, including an estimated 7 million who remain undiagnosed.

If you are a diabetic, are you aware of your A1C level? The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two-to-three month period.

The American Diabetes Association recommends a blood sugar control target of less than 7 percent. About 40 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes do not achieve this blood sugar control target.

As a diabetic, have you talked with your health care provider about an A1C goal that is right for you? Has your health care provider suggested insulin, and you are saying, “no way?” Have you just started insulin and have questions?

At 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Natchez Regional Medical Center will be hosting a seminar that will provide you with answers and information related to your diabetes.

The seminar is titled, “Diabetes Patient Educates Peers on Managing Diabetes:  The Next Step.”

Owen Medd is a specially trained member of the A1C Champions Program, and he will be delivering this free, one-hour educational program in the Cypress Classroom at NRMC.

Medd is a diabetic and takes insulin as part of his overall diabetes treatment plan that includes diet, exercise and other diabetes medications. As an A1C champion, he knows first-hand the challenges to managing diabetes and understands the fear and uncertainty about taking insulin.

He will be sharing information about diabetes self-management and insulin, based on formal training and his personal experience.

I promise you will find his information enlightening and inspirational, whether you are a newly diagnosed diabetic or someone who has been managing diabetes for decades.

While Natchez Regional hosts diabetic classes and support groups on a regular, monthly basis, this seminar will be especially helpful to all diabetics and also maybe an opportunity for you to get involved in our regular classes and support group.

We look forward to having you at this free event. For more questions, please contact me at 601-443-2442.

 

Kim McDaniel is the education/accreditation coordinator for Natchez Regional Medical Center.