Free community program to feature education on taking control of diabetes | Events

Pine Belt residents are invited to attend a free educational program on August 29 at noon to learn about taking control of diabetes, featuring Diabetes Patient and A1C Champions Program member Terry Pearce.

Pearce, a member of the Sanofi-supported A1C Champions Program, will visit the Diabetes Care Center at Forrest General’s LiveWell Center to share diabetes self-management and lifestyle strategies based on extensive training and his personal experience living with diabetes.

Topics covered will include:

• Achieving good glucose control
• Learning about effective self-management
• Developing a balanced, healthy lifestyle
• Planning and prioritizing diabetes management
• Overcoming fears surrounding diabetes
• Finding resources for diabetes support

If you or someone you know is struggling with diabetes, A1C Champions can provide motivation to take the first steps to better blood glucose control. “Individuals who live with diabetes need to know they are not alone and there are people like Terry who can help them along their journey with diabetes,” said Shirley Parham, Forrest General's Diabetes Program Coordinator. “This program features a real person who lives with the everyday real challenges of diabetes, providing inspiration for those who face the same challenges.”  Seating is limited.  Reserve your spot today by calling 601-288-1780 or by emailing sparham@forrestgeneral.com. The Diabetes Care Center is located inside the LiveWell Center at 5909 US Highway 49 in Hattiesburg, in the Cloverleaf Medical Plaza.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic, widespread condition characterized by high blood sugar in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone needed to transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body for energy. It is estimated that nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, including an estimated 7 million who remain undiagnosed. At the same time, about 40 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes did not achieve the blood sugar control target of A1C less than 7 percent recommended by the American Diabetes Association. The A1C test measures average blood glucose levels over the past two- to three- month period.

About The Diabetes Care Center

Forrest General’s Diabetes Care Center is committed to helping patients effectively manage their diabetes, with a goal of reducing Mississippi’s statistics by teaching healthy lifestyles and helping individuals make small changes that really work. Professional diabetes counselors spend time providing patients with information that aids them in taking an active part in their healthcare, bringing together the roles of medicine, stress management, exercise and meal planning, ultimately reducing the risks for the possible acute and chronic complications from poorly controlled diabetes. The center’s Diabetes Self-Management Education program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, is proven to help individuals with diabetes gain control and take charge of their blood sugar by providing the tools and knowledge needed for proper diabetes management. The center offers a full range of services including counseling for diabetes during pregnancy, individual sessions for children, preparation for insulin pump therapy, support groups, exercise facilities and nutritional services. Group and individual instructions are available, and are provided by a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator or Registered Dietitian.

For more information on Forrest General’s Diabetes Care Center, call 601-288-1780 or visit forrestgeneral.com. Physician referral is required for participation in the Diabetes Care Center’s programs.