Two Diabetes Programs for You & Your Loved Ones Now Offered by OCHD
(Toms River) – November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and the Ocean County Health Department is reminding residents of its commitment to assist residents to manage their diabetes as well as preventing or delaying diabetes in those individuals who are “pre-diabetic.”
PreventT2 is the newest program being offered by the OCHD Chronic Disease Services unit and is part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It features an approach that has proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes – a condition that one in three American adults live with.
“The goal of PreventT2 is to work with pre-diabetic patients to provide the necessary tools and skills that will ultimately lead to lasting healthy lifestyle changes,” stated Patty High, OCHD Assistant Public Health Coordinator. “Residents will work during the program with a trained lifestyle coach and support group to formulate the perfect health plan that is right for you.”
The Diabetes Self-Management and Education Support Program (DSMES) was implemented by the chronic services team to give diabetics a deeper understanding of how to live a healthier life. This is accomplished by providing health tips and food ideas from registered dieticians and a certified diabetes education and care specialist who will act as a personal coach and guide throughout the program. The 3 main areas of learning include nutrition, physical activity, and medication.
High explained, “It’s all about enjoying a better quality of life. Wherever you’re at with your diabetes, it’s so important to understand that you do have options. Our support team will teach you how to self-manage your care and provide the resources and skills for your journey with the disease so you can still live your best life. All you have to do is take the first step and stick with the plan. We are here to help you every step of the way.”
FACTS:
- Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.
- It affects about 37 million Americans, including adults and youth.
- Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and is linked to some types of cancer.
- Are you pre-diabetic? Find out by taking a free risk test at Division of Diabetes Translation | CDC (If your score shows that you are at high risk for prediabetes, speak to your healthcare provider about our program).
For more information, please call the Ocean County Health Departments Diabetes Program at (732) 341-9700 ext. 7235 or 7237 and speak to one of our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists or our Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. You can also email our professionals at diabetes@ochd.org.