Education and support available for local diabetics

Some diabetics are newly diagnosed; some have lived with the condition for years. Some are actively trying to control it, while others are in denial. In Maricopa, however, there is help and support for all diabetics.

On the fourth Thursday of each month Mary Gonzales, Pinal County Public Health coordinator for diabetes education, comes to the Maricopa Public Library at 3 p.m. to educate local diabetics and their family members. She also provides free, healthy snacks and giveaways during the one-hour class.

Gonzales visits six sites in the county on a rotating basis each month, talking about diabetes prevention and maintenance, and the healthy eating and physical exercise that are critical when dealing with diabetes.

“If you think you can manage by popping a pill, that’s not going to work,” said Gonzales at last Thursday’s support group meeting. She emphasized the importance of diabetes checkups, why they are needed and questions that should be asked, providing those in attendance with a diabetes health record to chart checkups and a health goal sheet to keep track of blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.

Diabetics need regular dental, eye and foot care exams since this vascular disease can cause blindness and/or nerve damage in the feet. Dental problems, left unattended, can cause infection or heart disease, according to Gonzales.

“Blood pressure is as important as blood sugar,” Gonzales said, adding that the number one cause of death among diabetics is heart disease or stroke. Diabetics are also twice as likely to suffer from depression due to having the stress of dealing with blood sugar testing and changes in lifestyle. Illness and stress can cause variations in blood sugar
levels.

Next month’s support group meeting will be on Oct. 28, 3 p.m., at the Maricopa library, 41600 W. Smith-Enke Rd. The topic will be diabetes medications and sick days, and Gonzales hopes to bring in a pharmacist to address questions from the group.

For more information, e-mail Gonzales at [email protected] or call her at 520-866-7687.

“The important part of this class is education, which you can get from me, but also important is the support you get from this group.” Gonzales said.

Photo by Joyce Hollis