June Fresh Conversations program to discuss Type 2 Diabetes - Myths and Facts

Eating sugar causes diabetes. All older adults develop diabetes as they age. Diabetes is contagious. Diabetes can be cured. Facts or myths?

All the statements above are myths. However, diabetes has become such a common disease that many times it’s hard to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. Fact - 29.1 million people have diabetes and over a third, 8.1 million, don’t know it. More than one out of 10 adults has diabetes.

Diabetes is a health condition that causes one’s blood sugar to be too high. High blood sugars can lead to other health problems, such as numb feet and fingers (neuropathy), heart disease and stroke, and difficulty seeing (retinopathy).

The good news is that one’s eating and activity lifestyle can help keep blood sugars in a healthy range.

Join a local Fresh Conversations program to learn more about diabetes and steps to take to prevent or manage it. June’s Fresh Conversations program will be held at the Waukon Wellness Center (1220 Third Avenue NW) Tuesday, June 26 at 11:15 a.m. Local facilitator Patty Scholtes from Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A) will lead the conversation. Those attending can check out the congregate meal site and take part in a meal while they are there. If interested in a meal, contact the meal site by calling 563-568-3250 by 11 a.m. the day before attending.

Participants will talk about foods to eat with diabetes, including tasty fruits. For fun, the group will sample berries and explore the truth surrounding diabetes and fruit.

Being active daily can protect against some of the risks of diabetes. Participants will discuss ways to move five minutes every half hour. Whether it’s dancing in the living room, strolling in the garden or walking around the house, studies show mini-movements every half hour can be powerful in protecting the heart and blood vessels.

Fresh Conversation participants find the program helps them make better health choices every day. The program, sponsored by Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging, is free. New members are always welcome.