74°
Diabetes is running rampant. In 2007 (the most recent year for which data is available), diabetes afflicted more than 23 million children and adults in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association.
But Sarah Levy, a public health educator at the Fairfield Health Department since 1995, is here to tell you that you can live a full, healthy and happy life if you (or someone in your family) have diabetes. "Diabetes is an extremely complicated disease that affects every organ in the body," she says, "but people who have diabetes can arm themselves with knowledge." And, she adds, that knowledge can be shared among the family and friends of those with diabetes.
Diabetes, referred to medically as "diabetes mellitus," is actually a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is vital to health because it's the main source of energy for cells that make up muscles and tissues. In other words, it's a body's main source of fuel. People who have diabetes, regardless of what type, have too much glucose in their blood. And too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.
Sarah oversees workshops on the second Tuesday of every month at the Fairfield Senior Center. The workshops, which often feature guest speakers, focus on education and skill building for those who have diabetes -- and for their families as well. The programs are free to the public.
Sarah says, "Life doesn't come with guarantees as far as health -- or anything else -- is concerned. You have to take care of yourself." She adds there is lot people can do to reduce the risk of developing complications from diabetes.
The next workshop is Tuesday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Senior center, 100 Mona Terrace, Room 14. For more information, call (203) 256-3150 or email Sarah, at slevy@town.fairfield.ct.us.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
