Hear from a patient keeping his diabetes in check

WARWICK — Dan Davis, a former patient at the St. Anthony Community Hospital Center for Diabetes Education has come a long way since last year when he read an article about the hospital's "Diabetes in Check" monthly meetings. The retired school superintendent had soaring glucose levels at the time. This Monday night, June 17, Davis will be back to share with other members of the group how he brought his own glucose level down from 900 to 105, just above the normal range. He will talk about the numerous methods he employed to reach his goal, such as regular exercise, not eating anything past 9 p.m., the name of a free software he uses to keep track of his calories and how he achieves his daily goals.

“I believe this balance of nutrients and exercise are the keys to my success,” said Davis.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.

One of the keys to keeping blood glucose levels at your goal is to balance physical activity and exercise along with the food you eat and any pills or insulin you take.

The Center for Diabetes Education at St. Anthony Community Hospital offers a series of classes for all patients who have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or those who demonstrate poorly controlled diets. During group or individual sessions, clinical instructors offer initial assessment, emotional support and will seek to help patients achieve a better understanding of the disease. They will show their patients how to live a normal and productive life with diabetes and how to control the disease through diet and exercise.

All adults with diabetes and their caregivers are urged to attend the June 17 “Diabetes in Check” meeting. Seating is limited and all those planning to attend are asked to reserve a place as soon as possible by calling 845-987-5168.

St. Anthony Community Hospital is located at 15 Maple Ave. in the village of Warwick.

For more information about the Center for Diabetes Education, call 845-987-5168 or visit bschs.bonsecours.com.