Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event that requires you to reconsider lifestyle choices. The good news is that altering the way you eat, exercise, plan for meals and take medication will have a positive impact on your diabetes -- and your overall health.

Managing the disease may seem overwhelming. That's why Central Montgomery Medical Center (CMMC) offers the ABC -- Achieving Better Control -- Diabetes education program, a series of classes recognized by the American Diabetes Association for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The program helps answer questions, such as:

"What foods may I eat? How do I monitor my glucose levels? What's the relationship between diet, exercise and blood sugar? Am I at risk for other health problems?"

Arming yourself with knowledge is half the battle of successfully controlling diabetes, says Giora Davidovits, CEO of ABC Diabetes, Inc.

"Once people learn how to properly manage the disease, they can make informed decisions and educated choices about what foods, medications or therapeutic options are right for them," says Sandy Muchnick, M.Ed., CDE, of ABC.

Because advances in diabetes research are emerging continually, Davidovits says it's important for people to "brush up" on their knowledge with a refresher course.

Take Charge of Diabetes
While some health conditions only require minimal patient compliance, diabetes management requires a higher level of commitment.

"Managing diabetes can seem overwhelming at times," Davidovits says. "The physician sets up the treatment plan, but in the day-to-day management, people make important decisions about diet, exercise and sometimes insulin. With good management, most people with diabetes can avoid complications and stave off disease progression."

People with pre-diabetes cannot only delay the progression of the disease, they can prevent it from ever developing.

ENROLL WITH ABC DIABETES TODAY
CMMC offers education classes within the hospital during evenings and weekends. The program is covered by most insurances. To enroll, please call 215-283-2833.

Central Montgomery Medical Center 100 Medical Campus Drive, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100 | FAX 215-361-4933