Diabetes Self-Management Classes

New classes begin in February:

Thursdays, 10am-12 noon, February 23-March 29

Mondays, 5:30-8pm, February 27-April 2

To register, or for information on future classes, call 303-355-3423.

The Facts about Diabetes and African Americans
Type 2 diabetes (known as adult-onset diabetes) occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it makes effectively, resulting in high levels of blood glucose (blood sugar). Diabetes can lead to serious complications - blindness, kidney disease, amputations, and heart disease -- and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

On average, African Americans are almost two times more likely than whites to have diabetes. Estimates are that 3.2 million, or 14.7% of all African Americans aged 20 years or older, have diabetes. Twenty-five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes.

African Americans with diabetes are more likely to develop diabetes complications than whites. But diabetes complications can be reduced or significantly delayed by keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels in target ranges, and by eating healthy foods, being physically active, taking diabetes medication as prescribed, and testing blood glucose levels.

PROGRAMS RELATING TO DIABETES

Focus on Diabetes, a six-week class, teaches individuals with diabetes, and their caregivers, skills related to living with the disease. Topics covered include: techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, stress, and emotional probmlems such as depression, anger, fear and frustration; goal setting and problem solving; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating; appropriate use of medication, and; working more effectively with healthcare providers. Each participant will receive a copy of the companion book "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions."

The two-hour meetings are highly interactive, focusing on building skills, sharing experiences, and providing support. Each class is facilitated by two trained volunteers. The program was developed and tested by the Stanford School of Medicine and is proven effective.

Are You at Risk for Diabetes?

Are you African American?
Do you have parent or sibling with diabetes?
Are you 45 or older?
Are you overweight or obese or do you carry excess weight around your waist?
Do you do get little or no physical activity?
Do you eat a processed foods and foods high in fat?

Learn More
Learn to Live Well with Diabetes was developed by the Center for African-American Health to provide information about preventing and controlling diabetes.

Project Power. Learn about Project Power, six educational workshops developed by the American Diabetes Association that provide churches with a foundation for integrating diabetes awareness messages and healthy living tips into the life of the family and church. Project Power is offered by the Center for African-American Health.

Building Community Support for Diabetes Care. Read a description of the Focus on Diabetes program written by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, which funded the program as part of its Building Community Support for Diabetes Care initiative.

Culturally Competent Self-Management Program Increases Confidence and Knowledge for African Americans With or at Risk for Diabetes, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality "Innovations Exchange."

Additional Resources

American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org

National Diabetes Education Program, National Institute of Health
1-800-438-5383
www.ndep.nih.gov

Centers for Disease Control, Division of Diabetes Translation
www.cdc.gov/diabetes/