Lawrence Memorial Hospital has several programs to help diabetes and prediabetes patients learn how to manage their health.

November is Diabetes Awareness month. To promote awareness and education about this major health problem, Lawrence Memorial Hospital is hosting a special educational program on Nov. 11. The public is invited to come and enjoy a complimentary meal while exploring the latest information and trends in diabetes care.

“Understanding and Managing Diabetes” will include exhibits and light supper starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by the educational program at 6 p.m. Speakers are Dr. Marc Scarbrough, an LMH hospitalist, and certified diabetes educators Nancy Donahey and Pat Hohman of the LMH Diabetes Education Center. Several diabetic supply companies also will be on hand to answer questions.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital is a major sponsor of WellCommons.

According to 2015 statistics from the American Diabetes Association, it is estimated that almost 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes (about 9.3 percent of the population). Most of these have Type 2 diabetes.

Only about 21 million of this number have actually been diagnosed and an estimated 8.1 million probably have the disease but do not know it. Another 86 million (or about 37 percent of U.S. adults) probably have prediabetes and are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. By the year 2050 if the current trend continues, one in three American adults will have diabetes.

Risk factors for Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, a high blood glucose level, a history of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, high blood pressure, an unhealthy cholesterol profile, physical inactivity or eating a less than healthy diet, smoking, as well as age, gender, family history and/or being a member of an at-risk racial group.

Diabetes is a leading cause of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, limb amputations and neuropathy (nerve damage). Many of those with uncontrolled diabetes will have a shortened life span as well as a life restricted by disability due to their disease.

Before people develop Type 2 diabetes, they almost always have prediabetes. With prediabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Each year, about 11 percent of people with prediabetes develop Type 2 diabetes.

No change in lifestyle usually leads to diabetes within 10 years. Recent research shows that some long-term damage to the body (especially the heart and circulatory system) may even occur during the prediabetes phase.

The good news is that people who have prediabetes may be able to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by eating healthfully, being physically active and managing their weight.

Take action; know and reduce your risk factors for diabetes. Learn more and take a quiz at diabetes.org. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and consult your healthcare provider as to how often you should be tested for diabetes.

If you already have prediabetes or diabetes, lead a healthy lifestyle and follow all recommendations for medication and screenings from your healthcare provider.

LMH has many programs and services to support those who have or are at risk for diabetes or prediabetes.

Lawrence Endocrinology: Dr. Amanjot Lehil, a board-certified endocrinologist, specializes in treating patients with endocrine disorders like diabetes and thyroid conditions. To learn more about this specialty practice, visit lmh.org/endocrinology or call 505-5885.

Diabetes Education Center: Group and individual education is provided by an advanced practice registered nurse and dietitian who are certified diabetes educators. The center is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Participation in the program is by physician referral. For more information, call 505-3062.

Prediabetes Class: This free class is for those at risk for developing diabetes or have already been told that they have prediabetes. Topics include preventing or delaying Type 2 diabetes, diet, exercise, weight loss, medications and avoiding potential complications. Taught by LMH Diabetes Education Center staff. Advance enrollment requested. This class is offered quarterly. The next class is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Enroll at lmh.org or call LMH Connect Care at 505-5800.

Monthly Support and Education Group: A monthly program for those with diabetes and their support person is held at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at LMH. A new discussion topic is presented each month. For information call 505-3062.

— Aynsley Anderson, MA, RN, is Community Education Coordinator at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, which is a major sponsor of WellCommons. She can be reached at aynsley.anderson@lmh.org.