Mahaska Health Partnership to offer FREE Pre-Diabetes Classes

OSKALOOSA – One in three adults has pre-diabetes and most do not know it. If you are at risk, plan to attend one of three FREE Pre-Diabetes Classes on Thursday, April 7, sponsored by Mahaska Health Partnership.

According to MHP fulltime Diabetes Educator Sharon Ferguson, RN, approximately 5.7 million people in the United Sates have undiagnosed diabetes, or pre-diabetes. “If left untreated, pre-diabetes can turn into Type 2 diabetes,” Ferguson said.

To determine if you are at high risk of developing pre-diabetes, answer the questions below:

* Are you over 45 years old?
* Are you overweight?
* Do you have a family history of diabetes?
* Did you develop diabetes during pregnancy or deliver a baby that weighed over nine pounds?
* Have you ever been told by your healthcare provider that you have high blood pressure?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, you may be at risk for developing diabetes and should attend the FREE Pre-Diabetes Class.

Classes are available on April 7 from 7:00 to 8:00 am, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm or 5:30 to 6:30 pm. “A person only needs to attend one session,” Ferguson explained. “The goal for offering numerous times throughout the day is to help reach more people.”

Ferguson has received extensive training about diabetes including the disease process, managing risk factors and treatment options. “My goal as a diabetes educator is to help people with diabetes and those at risk live their best life. Diabetes that is well managed can have little impact on a person’s lifestyle. A few simple adjustments can make a world of difference for a person’s quality of life.”

Although the classes are free, pre-registration is required. Please call Ferguson at 641-672-3422.

For more information about how Ferguson can make healthcare personal for you, visit mahaskahealth.org.