Eileen Tabb, a community health educator with the Mississippi State Department of Health and a member of the Starkville Lions Club, came to Trace-Way Restaurant at noon on May 22 to speak to the Maben Lions Club members about Diabetes
Eileen was introduced to the group by Rose Graham, a member of the Maben Lions Club. Rob Collins, the vice president, presided during the meeting and welcomed Eileen to the club.
Eileen gave each member two handouts: “Diabetes – Facts for Everyone” pamphlet and a card showing healthy levels for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index numbers.
Then she told about her own personal experience of being borderline diabetic and how sometimes her own symptoms of blurry eyesight and feeling faint have led to her being tested every few months to keep her numbers monitored.
She has not been diagnosed as having diabetes, but has had some warning signs that have tested negative, much to the puzzlement of the physicians involved. She credits some of this good news to her strong faith in God and to the prayers of her family and friends.
First, Eileen described the three types of Diabetes. Type I is found in people under age 30. It is a condition where the body destroys insulin that is produced in the body and thus Insulin shots are necessary to control of Type I diabetes.
Type II diabetes is usually develops in people over the age of 45. The risk factors are being a woman, being overweight, being inactive, having a family member with diabetes, having high blood pressure, having a baby over 9 pounds, reaching age 45 and being of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander descent. Smoking may also play a role. If you smoke, get help to quit.
Diabetes can usually be controlled by diet and exercise under the care of a doctor, but medication is often necessary. Exercise is very important and does not require anything strenuous or difficult. Walking is preferred, but even simple sitting exercises can be effective. Diet focuses on fresh fruits and vegetables, baked or broiled chicken and fish in moderation, water, and limited starches and sugars.
Type III is gestational diabetes that sometimes happens to women during pregnancy. This can be controlled by the doctor who recommends proper diet and exercise and keeps a good check on blood sugar tests to avoid complications during the pregnancy.
Symptoms of diabetes include extreme thirst and hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, sores that don’t heal, dry and itchy skin, sudden weight loss, nausea and vomiting, numb or tingling feet. Usually the patient will have low HDL cholesterol, eye problems, nerve problems with feet and hands, and problems with gums and teeth.
If you have any of these symptoms it is recommended that you see a healthcare provider who can check your symptoms, provide blood testing for high blood sugar levels, and recommend the proper diet, exercise and medications if needed.
The Lions are especially interested in helping people discover their diabetes because of its harmful effect on the eyes, especially, since the Lions clubs of the world focus on helping people with sight difficulty.
Diabetes is one of the five focus topics for special study this year; the others are vision, youth, environment and hunger. The Maben Lions Club has completed projects and/or programs on all five topics this year and will receive a patch for the club banner after the fiscal year ends June 30.
If you are interested in being a Lion and becoming active in a club call 263-8458 for more information on who to contact in the area where you live. Local Lions clubs are in most Mississippi towns.
