NHCH to Host Free Prediabetes Classes

North Hawai’i Community Hospital. NHCH file courtesy image.

North Hawai’i Community Hospital will host several sessions of free prediabetes education classes during the month of April.

Prediabetes is classified as having a blood sugar level that is higher than normal, but not quite at the level to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Based on information from the United States Centers for Disease Control, one out of every three adults, totaling 86 million individuals, has prediabetes. Only about 11 percent of people with prediabetes are aware that they have it.

The free prediabetes classes will consist of three hour-and-a-half sessions by a certified diabetes nurse educator from NHCH’s Diabetes Wellness Center. The classes will discuss nutritional education, carbohydrates vs. protein, exercising for good health, and uncontrolled diabetes awareness.

Classes will meet on April 4, 11, and 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in NHCH’s Annex Building.

Those over the age of 45, overweight, or who have a family history of type 2 diabetes, along with those who are physically active less than three times a week, those who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, or gave birth to a baby over nine pounds are more likely to have prediabetes, according to NHCH.

Symptoms of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst or hunger, change in weight, frequent urination, and high blood pressure.

The classes are free, but participants are required to register ahead of time by calling 881-4832.