BRUNSWICK — In the United States, 25.8 million people have diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes, a condition where their blood sugars are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
People with prediabetes are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Without lifestyle changes to improve their health, 15 to 30 percent of people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The good news is that in many cases, these complications can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
The Southeast Georgia Health System offers a free community prediabetes education program to help participants properly manage their condition in order to live the healthiest life possible.
The Brunswick campus prediabetes education program is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Monday in the Linda S. Pinson Conference Center, 2415 Parkwood Drive. The Camden campus program is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in the cafeteria conference room, 2000 Dan Proctor Drive, St. Marys.
During the program, certified diabetes educator Sue Ullrich, R.N., MA.Ed., CDE, will discuss the following topics:
• Risk factors for prediabetes
• Diagnosing prediabetes
• Successfully living with prediabetes
• Making lifestyle changes
• Reducing risk for type 2 diabetes
The Southeast Georgia Health System Diabetes Education Program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association for meeting National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education.
For more information or to register, call the Brunswick campus at 912-466-1689 or the Camden campus at 912-576-6488.