Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes

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.