MSU Extension programs help patients in the U.P and across the state manage diabetes

Managing the medication and lifestyle changes that accompany the diagnosis of a chronic disease like type 2 diabetes can be overwhelming, but there are resources to make the journey easier. 

For example, Michigan State University Extension offers educational workshops meant to empower patients, enabling them to manage their health and overcome challenges. 

The World Health Organization explains diabetes as “a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.” 

While those with type 1 diabetes are insulin-dependent, people with type 2 diabetes can often improve their condition with lifestyle and dietary changes. 

“We give people the tools they need so they can figure out what’s best for them,” said MSU Extension Health Educator Christi Demitz. “Everybody is different but there are common concerns among people with diabetes.” 

She explained that managing diabetes is essential in avoiding serious complications like stroke, kidney disease and heart problems.  People with type 2 diabetes must monitor their intake of carbohydrates, sugars, fats and proteins to maintain a safe blood sugar level. 

Based in Big Rapids, Demitz holds a master of social work degree, is a Certified Family Life Educator, and is the statewide coordinator for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for MSU.

MSU Extension offers three different PATH (Personal Action Towards Health) programs: Chronic Disease PATH, Diabetes PATH and Chronic Pain PATH. Classes are free for all Michigan residents. While some health care professionals refer their diabetes patients to PATH workshops, many newly diagnosed people find the classes through online searches, social media and word of mouth. 

Anita Carter is a Diabetes PATH facilitator in the Upper Peninsula. She is based in Gogebic County and offers online workshops for the entire 300 miles that the U.P. spans.

“Especially in the rural U.P., I rely on extensive marketing in online publications, newsletters and newspapers to help reach people across the U.P. We want to make sure they have these resources across the state,” Carter said. “It’s important to be aware of the resources in your community.” 

Demitz said staff work hard to spread the word. “Online training works best for rural residents with the internet, but we can even do workshops over the phone,” she said. 

Extension staff work one-on-one with participants, who are often older adults, to ensure that technology isn’t a barrier. 

The Diabetes PATH (Personal Action Towards Health) program is a self-management workshop that explores a variety of tools to manage diabetes. During six weeks of two-and-a-half hour long sessions, attendees learn strategies to help them:
• Develop healthy eating and exercise plans
• Deal with difficult emotions
• Set health goals
• Problem solve in a group setting and
• Communicate effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones.

Adults of all ages may attend, including those with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and their family members and caregivers.

Demitz said informal support groups sometimes form organically after class members get to know each other and decide to stay connected. 

“We don’t oversee those groups, that’s not our goal, but we know they can be beneficial,” she said. 

Some students also repeat the classes to reinforce what they’ve learned – and that’s ok, too. 

Carter said building community is an important aspect of the classes. 

“People need to know that they’re not alone,” she said. 

A recent workshop participant said, “I didn’t know what to do after being diagnosed with diabetes, and I wasn’t happy with the lack of information from my doctor. I am so glad I found this course. I learned that diabetes is not a death sentence, and I am not alone.”

A participant who attended with a family member said, “It was a class that made us think about what we are eating, exercise and stress in our life. It also helped us understand the changes in sugar readings and possible reactions from diabetes. It was important for both of us to go to this class, because although I don’t have diabetes, this is a family concern. We would recommend this class to other people. There are no easy answers to diabetes, but we feel it is better to be informed.” 

Demitz said diabetes education can be life changing.

 “It’s really rewarding when you listen to what people have done,” she said, noting that a recent participant lost ten pounds during the six-week class by giving up Mountain Dew soda. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of the training is the action plan or weekly goal that participants set for themselves. 

“It’s a helpful tool that builds people’s confidence and confidence-building can translate into other positive changes,” Demitz said.

Carter said most people find the training sessions empowering. “We look at diabetes from a lot of perspectives and teach people to take responsibility for making decisions. It helps them understand that they don’t have to sit back and let it happen to them. It makes them more powerful,” she said. 

Demitz enjoys hearing from students and sharing their successes. One Diabetes PATH participant said the workshop renewed her zest for life. “I recommend it to anyone living with diabetes. The class eased my fears of living with this disease, and it showed me that there is life beyond diabetes.”

The MSU Extension Virtual Health Calendar can be accessed here. For help figuring out what class is right for you — or to refer yourself, a patient or a loved one into a class — fill out the health program referral form or contact MSU Extension’s health referral team at ReferMSU@msu.edu.

See the calendar of virtual health programs here. 

To get help figuring out what class is right for you — or to refer yourself, a patient or a loved one into our classes — fill out our health program referral form and an MSU Extension staff member will contact you shortly. You can also contact MSU Extension’s health referral team at ReferMSU@msu.edu.