Last night the Counseling Service, Student Health, and Student Housing kicked off its first Diabetic Support Program. The program took place in the UC Room 206 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Also involved in the program was the Dining Services.

The program offered students a chance to share their needs and concerns.

It also gave them a chance to find out about resources available on campus.

"The program offered assistance in meeting nutritional needs through the Dining Service.

"Being that I have been diabetic for about 30 years has given me a sense of knowledge about the disease.

I hope to help students with their meal planning needs and to answer any questions that they might have about nutrition," said David Broderick, Resource Coordinator for the Sodexho.

A Certified Diabetes Educator from the Wellness Center at Methodist provided information about local support groups here in Martin.

Knowledgeable medical services from UTM Student Health were also provided. "This support group is an informative meeting that has been provided to see what students want and need when it comes to their health," said Shannon Deal, Director of Students Health Services.

UTM Counseling Services will provide counseling on emotional issues and personal health.

"More and more young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Over the past few years we have had students die from complications with their disease. We have become aware of a significant number of students with diabetes. We decided to bring forth a support group for these students," said Dr. Jennifer Levy, Staff Psychologists, organizer of the program.

The program will also provide training on recognizing diabetic emergencies for the student housing staff.

"We are trying to put forth an effort to let students know that there are people who care.

A lot of students come to school and leave their support group behind.

We want students to know we are here if they need someone to talk to, or have some special needs. There is support available," said Earl Wright, Director of Housing.

Brochures and information sheets on diabetes and its management were on hand at the support group.

Diabetes is a serious, costly disease that is on the rise.

Seventeen million Americans have diabetes, and over 200,000 people die each year of related complications.

Diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, leg and foot amputations, and deaths related to flu and pneumonia. Particularly at risk are the 5.0 million Americans who are unaware that they have the disease.

People with diabetes have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use insulin, a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. In uncontrolled diabetes, glucose and fats remain in the blood and over time, damage vital organs.

Now the sixth leading cause of death in America, diabetes has its greatest effects on the elderly and certain racial and ethnic groups. Among adults aged 20 or older, African Americans are twice as likely as whites to have diabetes, and American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.6 times more likely to have diabetes.

Better nutrition, physical activity, control of blood glucose levels, and access to services can delay the progression of diabetes. Studies have found that consistent physical activity and a healthy diet can cut a person's risk for developing type 2 diabetes by nearly 60%.

Although type 1 diabetes often appears during childhood or adolescence, mostly through genetics it can also be controlled with these same steps.

UTM Services are providing students with the knowledge they need to live long healthy and happy lives.

They're here for the students, all the students have to do is want to be helped.

For more information, call Counseling Services at 587-7720, Student Health at 587-7750, Student Housing at 587-7733, or Dining Services at 587-7772.