You can ‘Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes’

Image
Body

Hopkins County | Extension

You hear the words, “You have diabetes.”

What goes through your mind? Not being able to eat the things you love? Loss of toes? Loss of vision?

The truth is, you can manage your diabetes, but it will take diligence on your part. And you can enjoy tasty foods, too!

“Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” is a five-lesson series developed by specialists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension system with information is based on the American Diabetes Association standards of care.

This series is being offered Mondays and Thursdays, March 9, 12, 16, 19 and 23, beginning at 6 p.m. at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Hopkins County Office, 1200-B West Houston St. in Sulphur Springs. Cost is $25 per person, payable at the first session, which covers materials, refreshments, door prizes and sampling.

Topics for the series include: Getting Started – How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose, Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbs?, Improving your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity, Improving your Blood Glucose with Medications, and Celebrating Diabetes Control while Avoiding Complications

Health experts will be on hand to assist in teaching the series and will answer questions you might have.

I’ve heard many positive comments from individuals who have taken the series. I do want to point out that these classes do not take the place of a doctor’s visit. They do, however, give you information to help control your diabetes.

If you would like to attend, please call the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443. Give us your name, mailing address and phone number so we can send registration materials and make a follow-up phone call to remind you as the date approaches. Don’t let your diabetes control you. You can learn to control your diabetes!

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP

Perhaps you are not able to attend the diabetes series or feel like you have good control of your diabetes. We have another option that is also very beneficial for those who have diabetes. A diabetes support group formed in 2019, and now meets monthly.

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Hopkins County Extension Office, at noon. Sue Potts, RN and diabetes educator, is the facilitator for the group. Discussion covers a variety of topics – from reading food labels, to suggested frequency of checking your blood glucose.

Bring your questions and concerns and listen as others share the same. And feel free to bring a sack lunch. Drinks are provided. There is no need to sign up to attend – just show up!

Call 903-885-3443 if you have questions.

CLOSING THOUGHT

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” — Paul Coelho