Over 2.7
million Texans are diagnosed with diabetes and it is the sixth leading cause of
death. Hunt County has a diabetes
prevalence value of 10.3%, meaning approximately 1 person out of every 10
residents are diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes is growing and
expected to quadruple over the next thirty years.
The two most common forms of diabetes as Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), is an
autoimmune condition where the pancreases produces very little, if any,
insulin. Relatively uncommon, roughly 5%
of all diagnosed cases are Type 1.
Scientists agree, while an exact cause is unknown, genetics play a
significant role. Type 2 diabetes, also known as Type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM), is a chronic condition effecting how the body uses insulin. The cause of Type 2 is also unknown; however, excess weight and inactivity are factors (American Diabetes
Association, 2017). Both forms of diabetes are serious and should be addressed
with proper attention. Diabetes
education can help ease the strain of living with diabetes and although it is
not curable, it is manageable.
Hunt County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is offering Do
Well, Be Well with Diabetes, a five-part educational series to help people
understand how to manage their disease through healthy eating patterns,
physical activity, and following proper self-care. On Friday, November 17th, we will tackle this
program as a one day, short-course program beginning at 10:00 am and ending
around 3:00 pm. There will be a hands-on
lunch where attendees learn to use alternative food options to help manage their
carbohydrates. Diabetics and care takers
are welcome to attend. Registration is
$10.00 per person. Topics covered in the
program will address how food effects blood glucose, the proper method to test
blood glucose, understanding medications, incorporating a healthy eating
pattern, and much more. For additional
information or to register for the Do
Well, Be Well with Diabetes short-course, please
contact the Hunt County Extension office, (903) 455-9885 or email
Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.
MAKING MEMORIES, the annual holiday program, is scheduled
for Friday, November 3rd at the Ben E. Keith Community Room in Commerce from
9:30 am – 11:30 pm. Holiday craft and
gift ideas will be presented and you will receive a booklet including
information on each item. Tickets are
available for purchase at the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington
Street, Greenville, TX 75401. Tickets are $5.00 each and tickets are
limited. Registration fee includes
morning refreshments and the holiday idea booklet. If you are interested in paying over the
phone using an electronic payment, please call (903) 455-9885.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to
chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office,
2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email
Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.
References:
American Diabetes Association. (2017). www.diabetes.org.
