Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or a combination of the two.  It can lead to serious complications and premature death.  Some 23.6 million Americans (or 7.8% of the U.S. population) have diabetes.  Of these, 5.7 million don’t know they have it.  Following diagnosis, people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower their risk for complications.

Thompson Home Health offers free classes to help people with diabetes understand, monitor and manage their diabetes to help them stay as healthy as possible.  The classes are excellent for people recently diagnosed with diabetes or who just want to learn more about controlling the disease.  The classes meet the third Tuesday of the month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and the third Thursday of the month from 9:00am to 11:00am.  Classes are taught by certified diabetes educators and registered dieticians.  For more information, or to register for an upcoming class, call Thompson Home Health at (318) 442-0411.