Diabetes Program Benefits Bob Friday

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), more than 16 million people in the United States have diabetes.  Unfortunately, five million of those don't know it. Thinking he had a kidney problem, Winnsboro resident Bob Friday went to his doctor seeking a remedy for the ailment which caused him to urinate frequently. To his surprise, the diagnosis was diabetes.

The ADA defines diabetes as a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

"It (the diagnosis) was a blessing in disguise," Friday said. "If I had not caught it, it could have caused more damage."  If left untreated, diabetes can cause or lead to cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney and nerve disease and limb amputations.

Referred by his doctor, Friday began attending the Diabetes Self-Management Education Program at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Winnsboro. There, he received one-on-one instruction that taught him how to keep his blood sugar levels in target range and other practical tips to help him achieve optimal health. The course is designed to empower diabetics by providing them with self-management skills to control the disease and improve their physical and emotional well being.

Since his diagnosis, Friday has changed his life. Complying with his doctor's orders, he now watches what he eats, exercises three times per week, and has lost 20 pounds. 

"My health is better now than it has been in years," Friday said.

His lifestyle change has become a family affair. His wife, Jean, has changed the way she prepares food and exercises three times a week. She also attends the monthly diabetes education and support class with her husband at Texas Health Winnsboro. 

"We didn't know anything about diabetes, but the support group has helped us to understand diabetes and how to stay healthy," Jean Friday said.

The cause of diabetes is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

Some of the warning signs of diabetes include frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue and blurred vision.  If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.