By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
July 17, 2002
Mary Gilmore says every year free of diabetes is another year free of pain and costly medical bills.
Gilmore, a diabetes educator, registered dietitian and a certified weight management specialist, will conduct a free workshop Monday geared toward people at risk of developing diabetes.
She said people who have already been diagnosed with the disease will also benefit from the information.
Other complications that can arise from diabetes include stroke and high blood pressure.
The workshop will cover non-insulin dependent diabetes, commonly known as Type 2 diabetes. Ninety percent of people who have diabetes have the Type 2 form of the disease, where the body makes insulin, but cells do not use it well.
Gilmore said she will go over information about diabetes and give simple tips for changing to a healthier lifestyle. She said the changes do not necessarily have to be drastic.
A recent study of the Diabetes Prevention Program shows moderate diet and exercise resulting in 5 percent to 7 percent weight loss, can delay and possibly prevent Type 2 diabetes.
According to the National Institute of Health, diabetes costs Americans $100 billion a year.
Gilmore said lifestyle changes can not only be a healthy preventative for diabetes, but also a good influence on generations to come.
DIABETES WORKSHOP
A free workshop, "Good Health is a Choice: The Prevention and Treatment of Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes" will be held Monday beginning at 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave.
The workshop is sponsored by the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. For more information, call 485-2388.
MISSISSIPPI'S WALK FOR DIABETES
What: The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi 2002 Fall Fling/Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes, Oct. 26, Bonita Lakes.
Why: The event will raise money for diabetes research at University Medical Center in Jackson; educational programs and services for needy Mississippians; and camps for children with the disease. It also will raise awareness about diabetes.
Meeting: The first team meeting for the event will be held on July 25, from 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m., at Mississippi Power Co., 2401 11th St. For more information call 485-2388.