Franciscan Health will host Diabetes Day, a free education event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Franciscan Healthy Living Center, located in the lower level of the Lafayette Heart Institute at 1116 N. 16th St., Lafayette.
Four small group informational break-out sessions will be available throughout the day on the following topics: stress and coping with diabetes; exercise (adapted to your ability); benefits and techniques of massage; and spiritual health.
The event will also include vendor booths that will have diabetes wellness information; A1c testing for participants who qualify; “Ask the Expert” sessions that will include open questions from the following medical providers: nurse practitioner, optometrist, pharmacist, diabetes educators, dietitians and tobacco cessation specialists; flu shots. Some individuals may qualify for payment by the health department. For more information about coverage, contact the Tippecanoe County Health Department at 765-423-9221.
Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition characterized by high blood sugar in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. It is estimated that 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, including an estimated 8.1 million who remain undiagnosed. At the same time, about 40 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes did not achieve the blood sugar control target of A1c <7 percent recommended by the American Diabetes Association for many people with diabetes. The A1c test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two to three month period.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged and can be made by calling the Franciscan Healthy Living Center at 765-428-5850. Light refreshments will be provided.
