Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Winter 2020

Inside 2 Learn how to reduce your risk of diabetes 5 Treating digestive health disorders WI NTER 2020 Stamp of approval “While the Diabetes Prevention Program cannot change risk factors like family history or age, lifestyle coaching and education sessions can influence eating patterns and provide motivation for increased activity,” remarks Crystal Petersen, right, Diabetes Prevention class coach at Grundy County Memorial Hospital. “The people who have completed the class are great examples that change is possible!” With more than 1 in 3 Iowa adults diag- nosed with prediabetes or at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it’s im- portant to know your own risk factors for the disease. It’s also important to know that Grundy County Memorial Hospital offers a unique education program to help you reduce your risk. Called Pre- vent T2, it’s designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to battle the country’s dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes and its complications. The hospital adopted CDC’s class to offer it to area residents who are at risk of diabetes. After tracking the health improvements of the 40 people who’ve successfully completed the year-long course, the hospital has the CDC’s of- ficial “Full recognition” status. “It’s inspiring to work with brave community members who have decided to reduce their risk for lifelong health problems by committing to the course,” says Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD, Diabe- tes Prevention class coach. “The full program recognition means that our class members have met and exceeded the CDC’s goals for physical activity and weight loss. Research has shown that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or avoided altogether with lifestyle changes—and our class members have proved that it can be done!” Who is at risk? Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It usually starts when the body has trouble using insulin, a hormone that helps glucose (also called blood sugar) enter the body’s cells. When glucose can’t move into cells, it builds up in the bloodstream instead. Blood glucose levels that are gradu- ally increasing may prompt a doctor’s diagnosis of pre-diabetes, which is a sig- nal to take action to decrease your risk. Those most at risk for developing type 2 diabetes include those who: ●   ● Are 45 years or older ●   ● Are overweight ●   ● Have low levels of physical activity ●   ● Have a family history of diabetes ●   ● Have a history of gestational diabetes or of giving birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more If your doctor has told you that you are at risk for developing diabetes, or your blood sugar levels are between 100 and 125, you may benefit from the program, which does not require a doc- tor’s referral. Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Join those who have successfully reduced their risk for type 2 diabetes. A new session of the Diabetes Prevention Program begins soon—se e page 4 f or details. Program to reduce diabetes risk receives CDC recognition