ELLSWORTH, ME – Maine Coast Memorial Hospital is offering a new class for people who are at risk of developing diabetes or have been told they are “pre-diabetic”. Small Steps-Big Rewards is a 2-hour course, given by the Diabetic Education Team to teach people the positive steps they can take to help them avoid or postpone the onset of diabetes. The course which s open to the public, will be offered on July 29th from 5:30-7:30pm in the Medical Office building classroom. Jan Watson, RN, CDE, will lead a lively session on physical activity and Melissa Frye, RD, will present ways to improve diet.

“Ten years ago, we only knew how to treat diabetes. Now, we know it can be prevented.” Mary Jude, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, is passionate about letting people know they can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by making small changes in their lives.

“The results of the Diabetes Prevention Program demonstrated that simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Participants were able to reduce their risk of developing diabetes by 58% through changes in diet and increased exercise. It’s so important to get this information to people,” says Jude.

Maine’s Bureau of Health estimates that 40% of people age 40-74 have pre-diabetes. Obesity, one of the major risk factors for diabetes, is Hancock County’s biggest health problem.

People with pre-diabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetic. Pre-diabetics have a 50% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. About 33% of pre-diabetics will develop the full condition within 3 years.

Once diabetes sets in, the problems mushroom and lead to much higher rates of cardiovascular disease, amputations, blindness, and kidney disease. State estimates for people diagnosed with diabetes is over 7%, but for every 2 people diagnosed, it is believed there is 1 who hasn’t been.

“Our hope is that if people know what they can do to avoid diabetes, they will take those proactive steps. This is one simple step that people can do to improve their health and protect the quality of their lives.

Pre-registration for the class is required. There is a fee of $10 which covers instruction and take-home program materials. For more information, contact the Diabetes Education Program at 664-5475.

Maine Coast Memorial Hospital is the primary healthcare provider for Hancock and western Washington counties. The hospital system includes primary, diagnostic, and rehabilitative services facilities in Gouldsboro, Southwest Harbor, Somesville, and Ellsworth.