Center for Healthy Living program focuses on taking control of Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes; register by May 2

As part of the Healthy Boiler Program’s physical health pillar, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL) on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus offers a 14–week diabetes program multiple times throughout the year. “Taking Control of My Diabetes” is open to all benefits-eligible employees (and dependents covered on a Purdue health plan) from West Lafayette, Purdue Northwest and Purdue Fort Wayne. The program is geared toward those living with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes or those supporting someone with a diagnosis. The next session begins May 9.   

The 14-week virtual lifestyle management program covers a variety of topics related to Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, with a goal of equipping participants with the knowledge and resources needed to manage the disease as best as they can. As a result of the program, participants will understand what diabetes is and how lifestyle changes are part of managing blood glucose.

A pre- and post-program evaluation to measure knowledge and beliefs, as well as satisfaction with the program, is required.

Participants have access to the expert services of the center’s health care professionals, including pharmacists who are specially trained in medication therapy management, as well as Lindsay Bloom, health coach at Purdue Fort Wayne’s Center for Healthy Living, and Jessica McKeever, registered dietitian at the West Lafayette center, who are co-leading the program.

Eligible participants will receive a glucose meter and test strips to check their blood glucose levels.* Program participants can continue to receive glucose testing supplies post-program if they continue to meet with a health coach on a monthly basis.

Many past participants in the program have seen improvement in their A1c (blood test that measures a patient’s blood glucose level over the past three months) and more.

Bruce Novak, limited-term lecturer at Purdue Fort Wayne, who has lived with Type 2 diabetes for over 10 years, shared that his experience with the course was exceptional and that he benefited from the increased and reinforced knowledge gained throughout the program.

“Diabetes does not go on vacation,” he said. “The more you learn and apply, the better off you are. Diabetes is a constant battle.”

The upcoming session runs May 9 to August 8 from noon to 1 p.m. ET. Those interested in participating should register by May 2 via the Healthy Boiler Portal. The registration link is under the “Healthy Boiler Workshops” section on the portal’s homepage. Hover over the “Taking Control of My Diabetes” square and choose “Submit” to register.

Healthy Boiler workshops and lifestyle programs are free to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their dependents covered on a Purdue health plan.

*Individuals living with Type 1 diabetes are able to meet monthly with a health coach but are not required to participate in the 14-week “Taking Control of My Diabetes” program to take advantage of the test strips and blood glucose meter opportunity. Contact the Center for Healthy Living at 765-494-0111 for more information. 

Questions

If you have questions about the “Taking Control of My Diabetes” wellness program, call the Center for Healthy Living at 765-494-0111.