Wellness program focuses on taking control of Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes; register by Jan. 22

As part of the Healthy Boiler Wellness Program’s physical health pillar, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) offers a 10-week diabetes program multiple times throughout the year. “Taking Control of My Diabetes” is open to all benefits-eligible employees (and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan) from West Lafayette/Indianapolis, Purdue Northwest and Purdue Fort Wayne. The program is geared toward those living with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and those supporting someone with a diagnosis. The next session begins Feb. 5.  

The 10-week virtual lifestyle management program covers a variety of topics related to Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with the goal of equipping participants with the knowledge and resources needed to manage the disease as best as they can. Participants will understand what diabetes is and how lifestyle changes are part of managing blood glucose levels.

A pre- and postprogram evaluation to measure knowledge and beliefs as well as satisfaction with the program are required.

Participants have access to the expert services offered by the CHL’s health care professionals, including pharmacists who are specially trained in medication therapy management, as well as Cheryl Laszynski, a nurse health coach, and Megan Shidler, a registered dietitian, who are leading the program.

Eligible participants will receive a glucose meter and test strips to check their blood glucose levels. Participants can receive glucose testing supplies after the program’s conclusion if they continue to meet with a health coach on a monthly basis.

Past participants have noted improvement in their A1c (blood test that measures a patient’s blood glucose level over the past three months) and more.

Bruce Novak, a limited term lecturer at Purdue Fort Wayne, has lived with Type 2 diabetes for over 10 years. Novak shared that his experience with the course was exceptional and that he benefited from the increased and reinforced knowledge gained throughout the program.

“Diabetes does not go on vacation,” he said. “The more you learn and apply, the better off you are. Diabetes is a constant battle.”

The upcoming session meets noon to 1 p.m. ET from Feb. 5 through April 9. Those interested in participating should register by Jan. 22 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link can be found under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s homepage. Hover over the “Taking Control of My Diabetes” square and click on the information “i” to register.

“I would highly recommend this class to any diabetic or someone who has been diagnosed as prediabetic,” said Leigh Ann Griffin, senior quality advisor for the Regenstreif Center for Healthcare Engineering, who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for approximately 20 years and previously participated in the program. “I decided that I could benefit from a refresher course of ‘how to act like a diabetic’ by eating and cooking healthy, and could use all the assistance I could get with motivating me to exercise. And I didn’t even have a working blood glucose meter anymore, and this class was giving us one for free! So, I signed up. Knowledge is power, and this class provides you with much-needed knowledge to properly manage your diabetes.”

Healthy Boiler workshops and lifestyle programs are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their dependents.

Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes can meet monthly with a health coach but are not required to participate in the 10-week “Taking Control of My Diabetes” program to acquire the test strips and blood glucose meter. Contact the CHL at 765-494-0111 for more information. 

Questions

Questions about the “Taking Control of My Diabetes” wellness program should be directed to the CHL at 765-494-0111.