You almost certainly know someone who has diabetes. That person may control the disease well enough that you don’t even realize they have it. For many others, diabetes disrupts their lives in countless ways.
Persons living with diabetes often have complicated health. Among those who died from COVID-19, 40% had diabetes as a “pre-existing condition” that we hear about so often. Having diabetes made them more vulnerable to severe symptoms of the coronavirus.
Individuals who are obese, have high blood pressure and/or cardiac disease are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. You can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes by losing weight if you are overweight, being active for 30 minutes most days and following a reduced-calorie eating plan.
Several resources are available in Dallas County for support with diabetes and health:
Aging Resources of Central Iowa is offering a free nutrition and physical education program called Fresh Conversations at the McCreary Community Building in Perry. Call 515-633-9518 with questions or to register.
The Dallas County Hospital hosts a free support group for persons with diabetes on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. A mini seminar on diabetes self-management is offered at the hospital quarterly. The next one is Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, from 8 a.m. until noon. Call 515-465-3547 to enroll.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
