WAIMEA — According to the Centers for Disease Control, 86 million American adults — 1 out of every 3 — has prediabetes, with only 11 percent of individuals aware they have the condition.
Without intervention, many people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within five years. In an effort to curb these numbers and promote healthy living, North Hawaii Community Hospital is offering free prediabetes classes.
Prediabetes is defined as having a blood sugar level that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they are over 45 years of age, overweight, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are physically active fewer than three times per week, and/or have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during a pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
Additional signs and symptoms of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst and hunger, change in weight, frequent urination and high blood glucose.
Classes will consist of three 1.5-hour group sessions, presented by a certified diabetes nurse educator from the hospital’s Diabetes Wellness Center. Topics covered will include nutritional education, carbohydrate vs. protein, the importance of exercise for good health and awareness of complications caused by uncontrolled diabetes.
The class will meet Oct. 12, 19 and 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Annex Building at North Hawaii Community Hospital. Residents can now register to attend any of the classes. There is no charge for these classes and pre-registration is required.
Registration and info: 881-4832