Memorial Hospital, TEAM Diabetes and K-State Research and Extension -- McPherson County are partnering together to do a Dining with Diabetes program on Thursday, Nov. 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be a hands-on cooking program using recipes that have diabetics in mind. The program will be held at the 4-H Building, 710 W Woodside and will include handouts, recipes, door prizes and taste testing!

Please, call 620-241-1523 to RSVP so we can have enough materials prepared by Wednesday, Nov. 28. There will be a free-will donation asked to help cover the cost of the grocery for the numerous recipes that will be prepared and tasted that evening.

Diabetes is a serious disease that is characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). The disease results from a defect in the body's ability to produce or use insulin. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps convert food (dietary protein, carbohydrates and fat) into energy. Insulin also is necessary for normal body functions.

Symptoms of diabetes often are attributed to aging, lifestyle and even the weather. Having little or no energy may, for example, be thought to be just a part of getting older. Frequent thirst may be attributed to warmer weather. As a result, diabetes can go undetected for years until disease-related problems like a change in vision prompt medical treatment. A simple (and inexpensive) blood test can confirm the diagnosis or rule it out. To help detect diabetes earlier, health experts recommend that people at risk for the disease be screened by age 30. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better. Diabetes can be managed successfully to minimize long-term effects.

Some people may, however, put off the testing because they are afraid that they will have to give up their favorite foods. While it's true that it is necessary to monitor portions more closely, people with diabetes can still enjoy most foods.

And, there's more good news diabetes usually can be managed successfully. Adding 150 minutes (30 minutes, five days a week) of moderate exercise, like walking, and losing as little as 10 pounds, may prevent someone from getting diabetes. It also can help a person who already has diabetes keep the disease under control and minimize its effects.

When the disease is undetected and consequently untreated the likelihood of medical complications increases. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease; kidney failure; blindness and/or amputation of the hands or feet. Uncontrolled diabetes can be deadly 200,000 Americans died from the disease last year.

Diabetes results from the body's inability to produce (or use) insulin needed to convert food into energy. There are two types: Type 1, which requires insulin injections; and Type 2, which often can be treated with adjustments in eating habits and the addition of exercise.

 
While heredity and ethnic origin are thought to increase the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, inactivity and preferences for high-calorie foods are thought to have contributed to the rise in the number of people with the disease.

Until recently, Type 2 diabetes was thought to be an adult-onset disease. That is no longer the case as children are being diagnosed with it. In fact, 30 percent of those newly diagnosed with diabetes are teens.

A third type gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It affects up to 10 percent of pregnant women and, if untreated, it can harm both mother and baby. As an example, gestational diabetes may cause excessive growth in the baby and increase the risk of diabetes and obesity later in life.

 
Diabetes is a serious disease, but can be managed if diagnosed. Early detection is the key! We hope to see you on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the 4-H Building, 710 W. Woodside in McPherson.

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