‘Taking Control of My Diabetes’ program back for third-quarter offering

“Taking Control of My Diabetes,” an eight-week program for those living with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, returns in September to the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus.

Two sessions are available to choose from:

• Tuesdays, Sept. 10 through Oct. 29, from 8 to 9:30 a.m., CHL conference room.
• Wednesdays, Sept. 11 through Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., CHL conference room.

 “We are proud to be able to continue to make this program available to our employees living with Type 2 or pre-diabetes,” says Cheryl Laszynski, registered nurse health coach at the CHL who will lead the program. “Our goal with the program -- as suggested by the program title -- is to provide participants knowledge, resources and tools to help them take control of their Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and live the healthiest lives possible. Many moving parts, including nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress play a part in how well an individual is able to manage this disease. We will examine how all of these can impact blood glucose levels.”

The eight-week program will cover 16 sessions -- two per class meeting -- on a variety of topics related to Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes to help participants better manage their condition and live healthier lives. Participants will have access to expert services of the center’s health care professionals, including:

* A registered nurse who is a health and wellness coach.
* A pharmacist who is specially trained in medication therapy management.
* A registered dietitian who will assist with individualized meal planning.

Eligible participants will receive a glucose meter and test strips to check their blood glucose levels.

“Employees who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes and have not yet had the opportunity to participate previously are encouraged to attend,” says Candace Shaffer, director of benefits in Human Resources. “This program is a great alternative to those who do not qualify for Virta -- as well as those who are not interested in that lifestyle -- and offers a comprehensive approach to Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes. Knowledge gained through the program will position participants to take control of their lifestyle in ways that will help them better manage this chronic condition.”

Interested individuals should register by Sept. 9 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. Registration link can be found under the “Engage” tab, “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage. Questions regarding the program can be directed to 765-494-0111.

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

Workshops provided by the Center for Healthy Living are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue medical plan.