Sevier County Health Department, UT Extension offer Take Charge of Your Diabetes Program

A free diabetes program will teach the latest in diabetes management techniques for people with with the disease and their caregivers.

Diabetes is a complicated disease that can strike fear, confusion, and helplessness in diagnosed people and caregivers. People with diabetes must deal not only with their disease, but also with the impact this has on their lives and emotions. A self-management approach to diabetes education gives people the knowledge, tools and confidence to take day-by-day responsibility of their diabetes care.

The Sevier County Health Department and University of Tennessee Extension will soon begin a free Take Charge of Your Diabetes Program workshop series. This 6-week diabetes program is designed for people with diabetes and caregivers to learn basic skills necessary to self-manage their diabetes and work effectively with their health care professionals. The classes are instructed by two local educators who were certified by Stanford University Diabetes Self-Management Program Master Trainers, Linda Hyder with UT Extension and Shareece Hollifield, with the Sevier County Health Department. The workshop classes will be held every Monday from June 1 to July 6, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the King Family Public Library in Sevierville.

There is no charge to attend Take Charge of Your Diabetes, however participants are expected to attend each of the six sessions, because topics vary weekly. Registration is needed. To register or if you have questions, please contact Linda Hyder with UT Extension in Sevier County at 865-453-3695 or lhyder@utk.edu.

Now is the time to become a positive self-manager of your health. Managing diabetes now may prevent future complications.