‘Defeat Your Diabetes’ classes set

Diabetes is rising and prediabetes is multiplying. More than 38 million people of all ages — or 11.6% of the U.S. population — have diabetes. According to the CDC, “about 98 million American adults — more than 1 in 3 — have prediabetes. More than 8 in 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it.” Approximately 15.4% of individuals in Sequoyah County have diabetes, compared to the state average of 12.8%.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Fortunately, diabetes is a condition that is defeatable! Thursday, Nov. 7, Jeannie Richardson, BSN, PHN, RN, and Stan Russell, RN, will present a three-class series, “Defeat Your Diabetes,” with classes at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. All classes will be held at People Inc. Conference Center, 204 S. J.T. Stites Street, Sallisaw.

If you or a family member has diabetes, cardiovascular disease or is overweight, this is an opportunity to learn how to overcome through thoughtful education and support.

“Defeat Your Diabetes” includes the following sessions:

• Understanding Diabetes, 10 a.m. — This class will focus on how the digestive system turns food into energy and stores glucose for future demands. Learn how different carbohydrates give contrasting glycemic indexes and how some foods raise blood sugar almost immediately, while other foods provide a more stable and continuous lower blood sugar affect.

• 7 Factors That Affect Blood Sugar, 2 p.m. — Discover how to gain control of blood sugar and decrease the risk of other disease processes that are exacerbated by diabetes, such as blindness, cardiovascular disease, limb loss and more.

• Steps to Manage Glycemic Control, 6 p.m. — This session will reveal the fundamental steps of controlling blood sugar, provide practical suggestions on food choices and explain the impact of good habits for gaining exceptional glycemic control.

Russell was trained in the Army as a medic and physician assistant before a long career as a registered nurse in the civilian sector in direct nursing care and management. While his education and work experience demonstrate his capabilities, none compare to the personal experience he gained as a type 2 diabetic related to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Richardson educated clients in home health settings for more than 20 years. While teaching nursing, nutrition and pharmacology classes, she prepared the next generation of nurses regarding disease processes like diabetes.

After each class, 30 minutes will be allotted for questions and answers. Plans are underway for a follow-up class, “Diabetes Undone,” sponsored by the Oklahoma Conference Native Ministries Department in spring 2025. This course will provide valuable tools for managing and reversing type 2 diabetes.

On Thursday, a preview event will be held as part of the “Defeat Your Diabetes” class. Sample dishes from the cookbook “From Plant to Plate” will be offered at noon, and from 5 to 6 p.m. for those attending.

This free health learning opportunity is planned by Life4U, a nonprofit with a mission to improve people’s quality of life through education. Check out Life4U at facebook.com/Life4U.wellness.

To register, text or call Richardson at 503-551-3046.