The University of Mississippi Nutrition Clinic has launched a new support group for students, faculty and community members who are living with type 1 or 2 diabetes.
Registered dietitian Hillary Ake came up with the idea of the support group, after finding out a close friend of hers was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before entering college. Ake saw how difficult it was for her friend to transition to a diabetic lifestyle while living on a college campus.
“She often talked about how frustrating it was because classmates and friends didn’t really comprehend the huge life change she was going through,” Ake said. “Sometimes she just wanted to vent and we could listen sympathetically, but we can’t fully appreciate how difficult life as a diabetic is.”
Ake knew, like her friend, many students with diabetes struggled with food options on campus, embarrassment and shyness by having to count carbs and dose insulin around new friends or in class. With the support of Janie Cole, UM clinic director and instructor in nutrition and hospitality management, Ake wanted to start a support group for those with diabetes.
“I wanted to create a group where students, staff and community members can find fellowship with other diabetics,” Ake said. “I want them to be able to share experiences, communicate their challenges, and learn from each other.”
The goal of the group is for members to share their experiences and interact with one another. The group will also discuss topics pertaining to diabetes based on members needs and ideas.
Ake hopes to have speakers from multiple disciplines from pharmacy to psychology to endocrinologists to discuss a variety of topics.
November is National Diabetes Awareness month and according to the Mississippi Department of Health, Mississippi was ranked second in the nation in 2012 for overall diabetes prevalence, with over 276,000 adults in the state having type 2 diabetes.
Cole is excited to bring National Diabetes Awareness month to the university and cannot wait for the support group to begin.
“Awareness is key to any disease,” Cole said. “There are so many Mississippians walking around with high blood sugars and they do not realize it. Your body adjusts to feeling bad and you just keep going not realizing that something is wrong.”
The first group meeting will be held today at 5:15 p.m. in Lenoir Hall room 101. Following meetings will be held the second Wednesday of each month.
