Series of diabetes classes kick off May 14

NyE Communities Coalition will begin a series of Diabetes self-management classes beginning Thursday, May 14.

The classes run from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and will take place once a week, over a six-week time span.

“One class builds on another and the class is very appropriate for somebody that’s diabetic, pre-diabetic, or the caregivers of a diabetic,” said Tim Wigchers of the NyE Community Coalition.

Wigchers knows that all people that have diabetes, or are pre-diabetic can’t always make it to the classes, but mentioned having someone close to them attend is just as beneficial.

“We see many cases where the spouse, or the wife will come so they learn a little bit about how to help their significant other, whether it be with cooking, or food tips or activities,” he said.

Self-management programs like this one are among the most efficient tools to leading those affected by diabetes to better outcomes. They can help individuals gain confidence in their ability to manage their symptoms and in many cases lead to reduction of illnesses and better health overall, through creating small objectives throughout.

“One of the big parts of the workshop is what we call action plans,” Wigchers said. “Where somebody actually sets a short-term goal for the following week … You state it publicly, to the group, and then report on it the following week . It makes everybody more accountable to the group, setting your own plan.”

The classes are not taught by professionals or health care providers, but there is a curriculum that is followed very closely, that was developed by the Stanford School of Medicine.

“We’ve been teaching these classes for about three years now, several a year … and they’ve been very well received in the past.”

Wigchers has seen some who take part in the class improve their health dramatically, and credits that to the interaction not only between the coalition and the participants, but the participants encouraging each other through their own experiences as well.

“In the three years that I have been teaching this I have seen somebody that was just diagnosed with diabetes a few days before up to a person who has been living with it and managing it for around 30 years,” he said. “Those who were just diagnosed can find some real support from others.

“I think people are really scared from diabetes from what it can lead to if it’s not managed. Most symptoms, especially with Type 2 Diabetes, if you work at it you can manage them, and in some cases almost reverse.

If you have any questions or want to register for the class contact Lolita at NyE Communities Coalition by phone at 775.727.9970 or email lmiller@nyecc.org.