November is National Diabetes Month

Make a Plan to Prevent Diabetes and Its Complications

November is National Diabetes Month and Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital is partnering with the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) to raise awareness about the importance of setting goals and making a plan to prevent type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes affects nearly 26 million Americans and an estimated 79 million people are at risk for developing the disease. Diabetes affects more than 8% of Osceola, Lake and Mecosta County residents.

During National Diabetes Month, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital will provide information such as videos and other educational materials to help people make a plan to prevent diabetes and its complications.

“Even if you know what to do to improve your health, figuring out how to do it and fitting it into your daily routine can be a big challenge,” said Kim Lombard, one of the hospital’s diabetes educators. “That’s why it’s important to set goals and make a plan to prevent diabetes and its complications.”

Even small changes – such as losing a small amount of weight and becoming more active – can go a long way in preventing type 2 diabetes, as well as managing the disease.

“Being physically active can help in the management of diabetes because it helps burn more calories and can help a person maintain a healthy weight. For people at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, losing ten pounds – if you weigh 200 pounds – can make a big difference in lowering your risk,” added diabetes educator, Lori King.

Making changes in how you care for your health is a matter of trying and learning. It’s all about choosing a goal and working toward it. Making a plan and taking the first step will help you reach your goal.
1. Think about what is important to your health. What are you willing and able to do?
2. Decide what your goals are. What changes do you want to make? Choose one goal to work on first.
3. Decide what steps will help you reach your goal.
4. Pick one step to try this week.

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital offers many classes throughout the year, focusing on understanding diabetes, acute and long term complications, medication management and review, blood sugar monitoring, exercise, goal setting, meal planning, behavior changes, stress and coping skills. To learn more about upcoming classes, call 231.832.6636.

To learn more about making a plan to prevent type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related complications, visit http://www.yourdiabetesinfo.org/ or call 1-888-693-NDEP (6337); TTY: 1-866-569-1162.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is jointly sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the support of more than 200 partner organizations.