One out of every three American adults has pre-diabetes, and most do not know it.
Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center health educators are offering classes to help people improve their health and to help avoid a growing wave of pre-diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces insulin to take care of the food that is eaten, but the cells don't function right and sugar stays in the body rather than being used. High blood sugar can lead to a number of serious conditions. Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, finds the body not producing any insulin and insulin injections are required to keep blood sugar levels normal.
Health Educator Jan Drossart says the number of Type 2 diabetics is growing and that is mostly lifestyle-related...
"...some things that we don't have control over, but many things we can. Some things that identify people as being pre-diabetic include being over age 45, being overweight, having a family history of Type 2 diabetes whether it's a parent or sibling, high blood pressure is an indicator and not being very physically active...."
The program that Drossart offers is for people who have not yet been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. They're offering a 16-week program with follow up sessions that teach skills you need to lose weight, be more active and manage stress.
A free no-obligation introductory session is set for 5:00 p.m. April 4 at the Minocqua Center for participants to learn about the program. The course cost is $100 for an entire year, with incentive of $50 reimbursement if goals are met. The first class will be April 11 at the Minocqua Center. Class size is limited and registration is required.
For more information, or to register, call 715-358-1773.
