CHI - St. Anthony

2 Filling your plate with the right foods can help you reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes and help manage your symptoms if you are already living with the condition. Diabetes? Your Diet Can Help. CATHOLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES /// sahpendelton.org 2 A ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes. The statistic is critical, as the disease can cause a variety of ailments, including blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. But adhering to certain nutritional guidelines can lower your risk of developing the disease and irreversible complications. "By making healthy food choices, you are taking active steps to control your blood sugar levels and prevent Type 2 diabetes," says Melissa Na, RD, LD, CDE, diabetes educator with CHI St. Anthony Hospital. "Additionally, if you are in the early stages of the disease, making changes to your diet can sometimes help bring your blood sugar back to normal." We're Your Diabetes Resource CHI St. Anthony Hospital offers an array of resources to help you manage Type 2 diabetes or reduce your risk for it. Blue Mountain Diabetes Champions—This monthly support group, is designed to provide patients with diabetes and their families with the latest information about the condition. It is also an opportunity to connect with other people who are managing diabetes. CHI St. Anthony Hospital dietitians and guest speakers lead this group, which meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the hospital. Diabetes Group Education Series—This educational program is divided into monthly sessions, which meet once a week for four weeks at a time. Led by a certified diabetes educator and a dietitian, the goal of each series is to share important information about diabetes with people who are living with the condition. Key topics include blood sugar management, complication prevention, and medication guidance. Participants who complete the series have lowered their A1C blood sugar levels by an average of 1.31 percentage points. Nutritional Counseling—Our registered dietitians are always available for inpatient and outpatient consultations with CHI St. Anthony Hospital patients, staff, and visitors. They can help design diets tailored to meet your nutritional needs, whether you are working to lose weight, manage an existing medical condition, or simply adjust your eating to help you feel more energized. For more information about any of these options, contact Melissa Na at 541-278-3249 or melissana@chiwest.com; or Christine Guenther at 541-278-3235 or christineguenther@chiwest.com.

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