Diabetes is now considered an epidemic in the United States, and nearly 26 million children and adults have been diagnosed with either diabetes.

Another 79 million people have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 if current trends continue.

The risk for diabetes increases with age, being overweight and inactive and is more common in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Complications that can occur as a result of uncontrolled diabetes include heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and amputations. Keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol in control can reduce the risk for heart attack or stroke.

A person may be able to prevent or delay a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes by following a healthful lifestyle which includes eating nutritious foods and being physically active.

The Concordia Parish Library is working with the LSU Ag Center and Delta Bank to present two programs on diabetes.

This two-part program will be presented on Thursday with the topic being: “Educating Yourself about Diabetes.” This will cover diabetes awareness, dealing with diagnosis, building a health care team and exercising for health. The following Thursday, March 15’s topic will be “Expand Your Options…Improve Your Choices.” This will include types of diabetes meal plans, modifying your favorite recipes, and cooking with non-nutritive sweeteners.

At each program, healthy recipes will be available for sampling with take home recipe cards and a light lunch will be served. Be sure to join us for this very educational program at noon Thursday, and then again at noon March 15. Both programs will be in the Vidalia Library at 408 Texas St.

These agencies’ purpose is to develop a healthier community by sharing information and making the quality of life the best it can be. Visit your public library for health tips on diabetes.

 

Terri Crawford is a LSU AgCenter extension agent.