More than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or prediabetes according to the most recent report published by the Center for Disease Control. The report finds that as of 2015, 30.3 million Americans (9.4 percent of the U.S. population) have diabetes. Another 84.1 million have prediabetes, a condition that if not treated often leads to type 2 diabetes within five years. Diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, as of 2015.
For those living with diabetes and pre-diabetes, food and fitness are important parts of living a healthy life! The good news? You don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. The Roanoke office of Virginia Cooperative Extension is offering several upcoming classes for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and their loved ones.
For current diabetics, Balanced Living with Diabetes is a free six-week course that will be offered at the Gainsboro YMCA beginning Monday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. The two-hour class will meet weekly on Monday evening through May 21. Interested individuals should contact the Extension office at 540-772-7524.
For pre-diabetics, an informational meeting about the Diabetes Prevention Program will be held at the Brambleton Center on Wednesday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. Pre-diabetics, or those who suspect they may be at risk, are encouraged to attend this meeting to learn more about the program and how it can fit into their lives.
A Cooking for Diabetes program is also being offered through Extension and in partnership with Roanoke City Parks and Recreation on Thursday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m. Those interested should register through www.playroanoke.com. Space is limited and the cost is $14.
Together, our community can address the challenges associated with successfully managing diabetes.
