Center for Healthy Living program focusing on taking control of Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes

This September, Purdue will bring its eight-week diabetes program titled “Taking Control of My Diabetes” to those living with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. With two virtual sessions, benefits-eligible employees and their dependents covered on a Purdue health plan can choose which session best fits their schedules:

• Mondays: Sept. 14-Nov. 2. Noon-1:30 p.m. Led by Lindsay Bloom and Megan Shidler.
• Wednesdays: Sept. 16-Nov. 4. 2-3:30 p.m. Led by Cheryl Laszynski and Megan Shidler.

The eight-week program will cover 16 sessions -- two per class meeting -- on a variety of topics related to Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Sessions will be led by Cheryl Laszynski, registered nurse health coach; Megan Shidler, registered dietitian at the Center for Healthy Living; and Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne. Participants also will have access to worksite health pharmacists Chelsea Baker and Jamie Woodyard to help participants with medication therapy management. The program supports the physical health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

“This program sets out to provide participants with the information, tools and resources to take control of their diabetes, just as its name implies,” Laszynski says. “Managing Type 2 diabetes is impacted by many moving parts. We will examine the role nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management can have on blood glucose levels.”

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

Interested individuals should register by Sept. 10 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. Registration link is found under “Wellness Events” on the portal’s homepage. Questions regarding the program can be directed to 765-494-0111.

Healthy Boiler workshops are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes

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