Seniors create action plans

Area seniors battle Type 2 diabetes with an action plan that encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Prediabetic and Type 2 diabetes patients meet weekly at MCCI Medical Group in Callahan.

The free 16-week course offers tips to improve diet and exercise for older adults.

Sandy Blair participated in an exercise Nov. 15 that demonstrated how some foods and beverages are high in sugar. The 70-year-old counted out 10 sugar cubes, representing the 21 grams of sugar in an 8-ounce glass of orange juice.

Since beginning the class more than 13 weeks ago, the Hilliard resident has lost 6 pounds. About 30 years ago, Blair developed Type 2 diabetes after she contracted a virus that shut down her pancreas.

"I have never been to a diabetes class and I wanted to manage it better," she said. "I want to live as long as I can and be as healthy as I can."

Blair recently learned the importance of avoiding sugar, lowering carbohydrate intake and exercise.

"Taking care of me is a priority for me," she said.

Beverly Smith was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in January.

Due to a 43-pound weight loss and increased physical activity, she has not had to take diabetes medication for three months. Her A1C level is at 5.8 percent. She said the class made a difference.

"I wanted to learn more about diabetes," Smith said. "I had learned a lot about diabetes myself, but I wanted to learn more because it really scared me."

Medical professionals encourage lifestyle changes to lower the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. Kiersten Prince, a doctor of osteopathic medicine who is board certified in family medicine at Callahan's Baptist Health, has patients who have also improved their blood glucose levels.

"I love when people are able to make the lifestyle changes and I can take them off or prescribe less medication," she said. "This is one of my favorite parts of my job, because they did it. It's nothing I did. But on the flipside, some people's diabetes progresses no matter how hard they work and they need medication and they need insulin. And that's OK. That's why we're here. We care about them."

Patient Emma Self was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 20 years ago. She has an appointment with the medical practice every three months. She recently stopped by for a visit.

"The people here do their job real well and I have confidence in them," Self said. "And I don't worry. Everybody here is friendly and I have confidence in their services ? that means a lot."

During the class Nov. 15, University of Florida/IFAS Nassau County Extension Agent Meg Alpine guided the discussion on food choices. Each week, participating class members also enjoy a complimentary lunch prepared by MCCI Activity Coordinator Melanie Hadden. A thyme and garlic chicken entrée and a low-calorie dessert was served.

"This is teaching us what to serve when we have a big meal," Hadden said.

Nanni Wilsey said that she's learned a lot from taking the course.

Although she doesn't have diabetes, she wanted to know more about prevention. The 70-year-old said, "It's in how you live, really. It's not just changing food. The ladies have been great. They have been so helpful. Melanie makes great lunches and you can make food taste good by substituting low calorie and fat-free. You just have to substitute and experiment."

A new class begins in January. To learn more, call McAlpine at 904-530-6359.