In an effort to curb diabetes and promote healthy living, North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) will offer free prediabetes educational classes.
In an effort to curb diabetes and promote healthy living, North Hawaii Community Hospital (NHCH) will offer free prediabetes educational classes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 86 million American adults — 1 out of every 3 — has prediabetes, with only 11 percent of individuals with prediabetes aware they have the condition. Without intervention, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years.
Prediabetes is defined as having a blood glucose level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. People are more likely to have prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes if they are:
• 45 years of age or older.
• Overweight.
• Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes.
• Physically active fewer than three times per week.
• And/or were diagnosed with gestational diabetes during a pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
Additional signs and symptoms of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst and hunger, change in weight, frequent urination and high blood sugar.
Classes will consist of three 90-minute group sessions presented by a certified diabetes nurse educator from the hospital’s Diabetes Wellness Center.
Topics covered will include nutritional education, carbohydrate vs. protein, the importance of exercise for good health and awareness of complications caused by uncontrolled diabetes.
Other areas of discussion will include meal planning and the social aspects of living with diabetes, as well as how to take control of your health.
Classes are offered by NHCH’s Diabetes Wellness Clinic in support of the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) focus topic of “Exercise, Weight and Nutrition.”
Classes are scheduled for March 17, 24 and 31; April 6, 13 and 20; May 6, 13 and 20; June 9, 23 and 30; and July 15, 22 and 29.
The program consists of three classes. Classes are slated for 5-6:30 p.m. in the Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa conference rooms at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Pre-registration is required.
Call (808) 881-4832 to register or for more information.
North Hawaii Community Hospital is located at 67-1125 Mamalahoa Highway in Waimea. Additional information at www.NHCH.com.