Pre-diabetes is more prevalent than most people think. “It affects 35 percent of adults age 20 and older and half of Americans age 65 an older,” said Anne Menzies, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca.
People can learn more about the topic at an upcoming ThedaCare community presentation “Pre-Diabetes: What should I do?” at 6:30 p.m. on Thurs., April 3, in the lobby of the 900 building.
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not so high for it to be considered type 2 diabetes, said Menzies. “It happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and then glucose, or blood sugar, stays in the bloodstream instead of going to the cells. Or when the cells become resistant to insulin. Or sometimes both.”
Most of the time pre-diabetes does not cause any symptoms. “It is important to treat pre-diabetes because it increases your risk of advancing to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” said Menzies. “The good news is that there are ways in which this condition can be controlled.”
The presentation will cover more about the condition and how to treat it with lifestyle changes including avoiding simple carbohydrates, watching fat and calories in an effort to lose weight, and exercise. “Because healthy cooking is so important to treat pre-diabetes, we will make a healthy recipe to try at home,” said Menzies.
This class is free but register soon by calling Central Scheduling at (920) 738-6521 option 1.
