Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is focus of upcoming CHL program; register by Aug. 20

Throughout the year the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) offers a 10-week diabetes program geared toward those living with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes or those supporting someone with a diagnosis. The next session begins Sept. 3 and will be held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m.

“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. Those interested should register by Aug. 20 via the Healthy Boiler Portal.

The program’s goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and resources needed to best manage Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. By the end, participants should understand what diabetes is and how lifestyle changes are part of managing blood glucose.

Participants have access to CHL’s health care professionals, including pharmacists who are specially trained in medication therapy management, as well as Cheryl Laszynski, RN health coach, and Megan Shidler, registered dietitian, who are co-leaders of the CHL program.

Eligible participants will receive a glucose meter and test strips to check their blood glucose levels.* Program participants can continue to receive glucose testing supplies postprogram if they continue to meet with a health coach monthly.

Many past participants in the program have seen improvement in their A1c (blood glucose levels measured over three months) and more.

Bruce Novak, limited-term lecturer at Purdue Fort Wayne who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for over 10 years, said his experience with the course was exceptional and 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.”

Leigh Ann Griffin, senior quality advisor at Regenstreif Center for Healthcare Engineering, has lived with Type 2 diabetes for about 20 years and previously participated in this program.

“I would highly recommend this class to any diabetic or someone who has been diagnosed as prediabetic,” she said. “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.”

To register, look for “Taking Control of My Diabetes” under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the Healthy Boiler Portal homepage and click on the information “i.” There’s a required pre- and postprogram evaluation to measure knowledge and beliefs as well as satisfaction with the program.

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

Questions

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

*Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes can meet monthly with a health coach but are not required to participate in the 10-week diabetes program to take advantage of the test strips and blood glucose meter opportunity. Contact the CHL at 765-494-0111 for more information.