Diabetes program at Memorial-Nottingham Library

The Diabetes Education Program held at the Memorial-Nottingham Library on April 13th was very informative for all who attended. Sarah Snow, a "Nova Nordisk Diabetes Educator" explained how diabetes causes a person's blood sugar levels to be too high.

When food is digested, it turns into sugar, and insulin helps the sugar move into your cells where it is used for energy. But with diabetes, sugar is not able to get into your cells.

She explained that there are two types of diabetes: In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin. In type 2 diabetes your body does not use insulin properly.

Ms. Snow handed out fact sheets that explained diabetes and how to check your sugar levels, and demonstrated how to use an Insulin Pen. "The more you know about (diabetes) the more you have the power to control the disease," she said. "Carbohydrates are turned into sugar...(so) read food labels. Eat healthy...Be Active...(and) keep track of your blood sugar levels," she said.

A nutrition fact sheet listed how many carbohydrates were in each serving. Ms. Snow said carbohydrates should not be more than 40-50 grams for each meal, and not more than 15-30 grams for a snack.

Healthy snacks and beverages were provided and there was a drawing for portion-size plates.

For information about Nova Nordisk products and diabetes go to: Cornerstones4Care.com

Jeanne Coppola is a resident of the Collinwood neighborhood, and is interested in art and writing. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cleveland State University, where she was a writer for the multi-cultural student magazine, "The Vindicator." Jeanne is pleased to be able to write for "The Collinwood Observer," and offer her comments and opinions for this exciting community-written newspaper.