Melanie Green, a registered nurse at Delta AHEC, was Thursday’s guest speaker at the Helena-West Helena Lions Club meeting.
Green presented a program on diabetes prevention and pre-diabetes. Green explained the risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, being overweight, having high blood pressure, having high triglyceride or low HFL cholesterol levels. Other risks include being over 45 years old; having had high blood glucose when taking steroids or during pregnancy (Gestational diabetes) and being of African American, Hispanic, Pacific Island or Native American origin.
Green said that family members should be screened. With diet, exercise and weight loss this can help and possibly prevent the onset of diabetes. By getting a yearly screening, diabetes can be managed and controlled. Green showed the Lions how the blood flows through the body, using clear vials to demonstrate the sluggish flow and the normal flow.
Those who have the pre-diabetes condition, have a greater risk for developing Type II diabetes and heart disease.
Taking the following steps can help prevent or delay the onset of Type II diabetes:
• Make healthy choices in food such as fruits and vegetables
• Get your weight into a healthy range and maintaining that weight; and
•Increase physical activity.
These steps also can help you, reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride levels; raising HDL levels, reducing blood pressure and helping one reach a healthy bodyweight.
“Diabetes does not have to cause long term complications if you take care of yourself,” said Green.
Some things to remember are reducing portion sizes, adding more physical activity to your daily routine, making healthy food choices and nurturing your mind body and soul.
Green said unfortunately many people walk around for years with Type II diabetes and have no idea of their condition.
Diabetics not only have to be consistent with medication but with their meals and possible snacks such as eating five small meals a day, including three normal meals and snacks of apples, oranges or other fruits.
Green added that blood sugar screenings are done free at the Delta AHEC.
Green can be reached by calling her at Delta AHEC at 572-2727, ext. 101.
Jim Pugh of the Brinkley Lions Club was a special guest at the meeting and two new members – Jeff Holland and Eddie Hadley – were welcomed.
