Have you been diagnosed as pre-diabetic? You have the ability to prevent type 2 diabetes. During the month of November, we will share tips on how to prevent diabetes. We will also share resources to help you manage your diabetes if you have already been diagnosed.
Below you will find several resources to help you prevent or manage your diabetes.
The Villages Health Offers Accredited Diabetes Education Program
Do you have diabetes? Are you looking for even more educational resources to help you manage your diabetes? The Villages Health offers a Diabetes Education Program that is accredited by the American Diabetes Association.
It is a comprehensive program for individuals with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. A certified diabetes educator will work with you and your primary care physician to develop an education and treatment plan that is personalized for you.
The program is provided in 10 hours over the first year of education. First you will receive a 1-hour individual needs assessment. Then you will receive 4 two-hour group classes:
- Class 1: What You Need to Know About Diabetes
- Class 2: Nutrition and Psycho-Social Impacts
- Class 3: Exercise and Medication
- Class 4: Complications and Healthy Behaviors
After your first year of education, you are eligible to participate in two additional hours of Diabetes Education each year thereafter. Classes are held at all of The Villages Health Care Center locations.
For more information or to sign-up, please call 352-674-1770.
Free Diabetes Courses
Did you know that The Villages Health offers free classes every month? All of our classes are free for the entire community. You don’t have to be a patient or resident to attend, so remember to register both you and a friend online today!
5 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
According to the CDC, “more than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.” Diabetes occurs when your body cannot produce the correct amount of insulin in order to maintain a normal glucose level. There is not a cure for type 2 diabetes, but there are many ways to prevent and manage the condition.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for developing diabetes. Every pound you lose reduces your risk substantially.
- Make Healthy Food Choices: You want to practice healthy food habits, like eating 5 total servings of fruits and vegetables daily. You also want to eat plenty of fiber. Fiber improves blood sugar control. Whole grains also help maintain blood sugar levels.
- Drink Plenty of Water: According to the Mayo Clinic, adequate daily water intake for men is about 16 cups and for women is about 12 cups. Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice because they are linked to obesity and diabetes.
- Go Outside and Exercise: Physical activity helps you lose weight, lower your blood sugar and boosts your sensitively to insulin. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors and walk daily for 30 minutes.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Poor quality of sleep and sleep deprivation can increase your risk for diabetes and obesity.
If you practice these tips, you are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.