Diabetic Group Classes Provided by Wayne Hospital

February is American Heart Month. It is a time to help prevent heart disease by improving heart healthy habits. One way individuals with diabetes can reduce their risk of heart disease is by managing their blood glucose levels. This can be done in part by following a meal and exercise plan. Other ways to reduce heart disease is by not smoking, limiting salt and alcohol intake, and knowing your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels and how to manage them.

Why should an individual with diabetes worry about heart disease? As a diabetic, you are at twice the risk of having a stroke or a heart attack compared to someone who does not have diabetes.

Education is a great way to help control your blood sugar and reduce your risk of complications. Diabetic Group Classes are sponsored by the Wayne Hospital Diabetes Education Program. The classes combine visual learning with interaction between participants, to provide you with knowledge to manage your diabetes.

The classes help individuals understand the following: 1) facts associated with diabetes, 2) the relationship between diabetes and healthy eating, 3) the value of monitoring and using the results, 4) the importance of exercise, 5) how diabetic medications work, and 6) ways to reduce risk of complications.

The class series consists of four classes. The next series of classes will be offered on February 1, 8, 16, and 22, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wayne Hospital. The cost to attend is $10 per class. Registration is required so please contact the Certified Diabetes Educator at 937-547-5750.

If you are interested in attending the classes but are unable to attend in February, please call 937-547-5750 for the dates and times of future classes. To meet individual’s schedules, classes will be offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening throughout the year. One-to-One education is also available to help you on your road to diabetes management.

The Wayne Hospital Diabetes Self Management Education is an accredited program through the American Association of Diabetes Educators.