What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body is unable to maintain the blood glucose level within a normal range. The different types of diabetes include type 1, type 2, and gestational. Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart and blood vessel disease, eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

 

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the cells that are supposed to protect the body from germs instead attack the cells that make insulin. The cells die and therefore insulin is not produced. The body needs insulin in order to live. This type of diabetes is not preventable, and usually is diagnosed in people under the age of 30.

 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Nine out of ten people with diabetes has type 2 diabetes. In this type the body does not make enough insulin or the body’s cells ignore the insulin.   Studies have shown that the onset of type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented with modest lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods and increasing physical activity.

 

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that is diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. This type of diabetes puts the woman at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. 

 

Pre-diabetes is a condition that comes before type 2 diabetes. In this condition, the blood glucose level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Studies have shown that most people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. However, studies have also shown that people who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight.

 

Mission Meltaway is a free six-week healthy weight management education class that utilizes a group approach to weight loss.  This program is held in Broome, Chenango, and Delaware Counties.  The program incorporates prevention strategies related to improved nutrition and increased physical activity to initiate and reinforce lifestyle changes.  Meetings cover a range of topics including menu planning, nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.  Participants have the opportunity to listen to expert speakers and receive incentives. Southern Tier Diabetes Coalition members provide education on risk factors for type 2 diabetes, signs and symptoms of diabetes, pre-diabetes, prevention of type 2 diabetes, and diabetes management.  There is a physical activity instruction component to the program, and all participants are provided a comparison of “before and after” physical assessments such as body mass index (BMI) and weight.

 

Week 1: Kick-Off Bash-  Introduction to the program

 

Week 2: Nutrition education covering topics such as portion control, label reading and fad diets

 

Week 3: Grocery shopping, recipe modification and food preparation

 

Week 4: Diabetes prevention and control education

 

Week 5: Physical activity education and instruction

 

Week 6: Ending Bash- Program wrap-up and stress management education

 

 

The Rural Health Network and the Tioga County Health Department offer the Simply Health Wellness Program at no cost through the Southern Tier Diabetes Coalition. Sessions are held once a week, for nine weeks.  Simply Health is designed to help participants live a healthier life through better eating habits, increased physical activity and stress reduction. Class lessons are presented by area health, nutrition and fitness professionals. Incentives, including pedometers and stretch bands, are given to participants to encourage continued activity outside of the classroom. Documented results of the Simply Health program include weight loss and lowered blood pressure for participants.

 

This is a free resource guide offering information about resources throughout Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Tioga Counties. If you would like a Resource Guide, please call toll-free: 1.877.276.1019.  Other educational pamphlets are also available at no cost.