Thu, Nov 26 2009
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Published November 05, 2009 11:56 am - Last week, Freeman held its third annual Diabetes Expo. Diabetes Education, as well as other programs and vendors, participated in the event. “It’s to increase awareness about diabetes and, for those already diagnosed with diabetes, to showcase support options,” said Susan Pittman, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Freeman Health System. Diabetes patients aren't alone By Andrea Steere
news@joplinglobe.com Paula Dedick, of Joplin, was diagnosed with diabetes in April 2005. After her diagnosis, she was referred by her doctor to Freeman Health System’s Diabetes Education program. “If it weren’t for Diabetes Education, I would be dead,” Dedick said. Last week, Freeman held its third annual Diabetes Expo. Diabetes Education, as well as other programs and vendors, participated in the event. “It’s to increase awareness about diabetes and, for those already diagnosed with diabetes, to showcase support options,” said Susan Pittman, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Freeman Health System. “Eight percent of the population has diabetes and many don’t know they have it.” St. John’s Regional Medical Center also held a diabetes event — an open house was held on Oct. 28 at the hospital. Freeman’s program offers those who know they have diabetes, as well as those who are unsure, information about managing their diabetes. The program also holds monthly support groups and classes on healthy living for those diagnosed with diabetes. “(Diabetes Education) is always there, on the phone or by e-mail. They tell you what you need to do, why and how it is important,” said Dedick. Luci Tarter, diabetes educator at St. John’s, said everybody is at risk. “Fifty-seven million people have pre-diabetes,” Tarter said. “These are people with high blood sugar, but not high enough to diagnose. These are the people we want to help out, otherwise they will convert to Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.” According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 1 diabetes is the body’s failure to produce insulin. This prevents glucose from entering the cells of the body. Type 2 diabetes is defined as a resistance to insulin, a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin, combined with relative insulin deficiency. “To get diabetes, you have to have the genetic pre-disposition for it,” said Laurie Smith, registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. Tarter said genetics can be a factor in being diabetic, and Pittman said those with diabetes usually have a history of the disease in their family, are overweight and inactive. “Genetics can’t change, but diet and exercise can,” Tarter said. 
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