Informational sessions on caring for type 2 diabetes to be offered

Need to know more about how to take care of type 2 diabetes? Those recently diagnosed or who have had diabetes a long time can benefit from learning the latest things about taking care of oneself to reduce risks for complications, such as reduced vision or nerve pain.

An important tool for managing diabetes is a glucose meter. Some people avoid checking blood glucose levels because pricking their fingers for a sample hurts.

Some were taught the best place to get a blood sample is the central part of the finger tip, which is actually the most sensitive part of the finger tip. Pricking the finger there is going to hurt more than the side of the fingertip.

Learning how to test on the side of the fingertip instead significantly reduces pain. Furthermore, today, most meters and strips allow diabetics to check blood glucose in other sites, such as the arm between the elbow and wrist. New lancet sets allow one to reduce the depth of the needle prick and to use a thinner needle because smaller drops of blood are required to get a good reading.

Many people report their pain and discomfort are reduced to almost nothing once they get new equipment and learn how to use it properly.

New on the market are insulin pens and other new insulins that control blood glucose with no peaks over a 24 hour period.

Discussion also will include answering questions about rapid-acting insulin and why so many people like to use it, and the many new oral medicines on the market.

"Do you understand what your doctor is telling you when she says your hemoglobin A1C is too high? Is 8 percent too high when less than 7 percent is the recommendation by the American Diabetes Association?" Those questions also will be answered during the session.

While taking care of diabetes is not easy, one might be surprised to learn there are many new tools and methods to help keep blood glucose in the recommended ranges.

Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lampasas County is offering "Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes," in two five-class series (one morning series and one evening series) with nine topics. Classes will be taught by a team of volunteer nurses, dietitians, pharmacists and other health professionals to provide the latest information on how to better manage type 2 diabetes.

Classes begin soon, and enrollment is limited. To register, phone 556-8271.