Bill LaSeur, 77, had struggled to get his
diabetes under control for several years until mid-2016 when his wife, Mary,
noticed an article in the Wilmington News-Journal
about a diabetes nutrition class being offered through the Clinton County
Health Department.
Six
months later, LaSeur’s diabetes issues are under control and because of that he
is among the many happy cheerleaders for the year-old Clinton County Diabetes
and Wellness Program. LaSeur credits the program with helping him start to make
healthier decisions, particularly through November and December, the
traditional over-eating and sedentary season of every year.
Uncontrolled
diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney disease, heart failure and
stroke, according to Laura Knisley, a registered dietitian and certified
diabetes educator, who coordinates the educational program--a collaborative
initiative of the Clinton County Health Department, HealthFirst for Clinton
County and United Way of Clinton County.
“Simple
lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes and
complications,” Knisley says.
The
program is a response to the findings of the 2015 Community Health Needs
Assessment commissioned by the health department, HealthFirst and Clinton
Memorial Hospital. The assessment found that Clinton County’s age-adjusted
death rate from diabetes and incidence of diabetes and high blood sugar are
significantly higher than the state and country.
Clinton
County’s age-adjusted death rate from diabetes and incidence of diabetes/high
blood sugar are significantly higher than the state and country, according to
information contained in the 2015 community health needs assessment
commissioned by HealthFirst for Clinton County, the Clinton County Health
Department and Clinton Memorial Hospital.
Diabetes
education and prevention efforts are key components of the current shared plan
of the Clinton County Family and Children First Council--a committee of public
and private agencies, parents and others that assist in coordinating systems
and services that positively engage and benefit families.
Mr.
LaSeur had been discouraged, uninspired and unsuccessful in impacting his
diabetes after taking other diabetes education classes, but says he quickly
took to Knisley’s positivity and style of teaching.
“I
am trying to be the perfect patient and Laura has really helped us out,” Mr. LaSeur
said. “I have lost weight, I am watching my carbs, my blood pressure is running
better, and I feel better.”
Knisley
said that by the third class, “he was doing great—he caught on quickly.” She credits
his success and that of others to small classes which allow for a lot of
personalized education and follow-up support.
The
LaSeurs are so thrilled with the program that you would think they could teach
the classes after spending an hour with them in their household kitchen. They
excitedly exhibit or talk about some of the
foods (grilled fish and chicken, fruit) that have become their diet staples, the
smaller portions they limit themselves to, and the other healthy habits (such
as regular exercise) that are now just part of their routine.
“The
LeSeurs are happy with the lifestyle changes they have made,” Knisley said. “Even
though she is not diabetic, Mary has been able to learn with Bill about reading
food labels and meal planning. Family members and support people are encouraged
to attend and participate in the classes, they need to be knowledgeable about
healthy choices as well in order for the person with diabetes or pre-diabetes
to succeed.”
Like
many people diagnosed with diabetes, Mr.
LaSeur set some unrealistic goals when starting out. Knisley helped him
understand that diabetes is different for everyone and needs change,
“particularly as we age.”
He
says his family physician, who also treats him for cardiac issues, has been
impressed with the recent progress he has made and told him to “keep up the good
work” at a recent check-up.
LaSeur
says the program has saved his life. “I wish I could convince others to get in
this program,” he said.
“People really like the fact that they are
getting evidence-based information from a registered dietitian and not a
layperson who has taken a class about diabetes, as many of other free programs
offer,” Knisley says.
She
says the response in the first-year has been near overwhelming. More than 200
people have participated in various aspects of the program which she presents in
area libraries and churches as well as at the Clinton County Annex and Clinton
Memorial Hospital.
To
hear about the program in William LaSeur’s own words, check out this video on
the HealthFirst for Clinton County Facebook page:
