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Mar 01

Churches Embrace Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes Prevention, Management

Mike Simmering, Little Creek Health Ministries Leader, Grundy Reversing Diabetes Instructor

Petronella Mhishi

Petronella Mhishi

Petronella Mhishi

The Centers for Disease Control indicates that almost half of the U.S. population has diabetes or pre-diabetes. While that statistic is significant, roughly half of that group is unaware of their condition. Just a few years ago, it was uncommon for grade school children to be diagnosed with diabetes. However, today, there is growing concern as these children are increasingly affected.

The symptoms of diabetes can include fatigue, increased thirst, increased urination, or, more commonly, no symptoms at all. Consequently, individuals may remain unaware of their condition until visiting a doctor for another reason. The long-term effects of untreated diabetes can be severe, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputations, depression, mobility issues, and dental problems.

For individuals who are prediabetic or diabetic, it is crucial not to ignore the condition due to uncertainty about what to do. Taking the initiative to understand and implement best practices for nutrition, exercise, sleep, and water intake can significantly impact one’s health.

Over a six-week period spanning from October to December, Little Creek Fellowship and the Raleigh Church collaborated to host a Reversing Diabetes Seminar at the Raleigh Church. With an average attendance of 30 students and volunteers, participants engaged in the Grundy Reversing Diabetes Seminar, covering topics such as fiber, sugar (in its various forms), carbohydrates, fats, nutrition, inflammation, and epigenetics. The seminar composed of lectures, exercise sessions, Q&A discussions, and sampling healthy foods.

Participants learned strategies for making favorite foods healthier, the importance of reading food labels, grocery shopping tips, effective exercise methods, hydration needs, and the significance of sleep for overall health. Other key lessons included the following.

Diabetes or pre-diabetes does not develop overnight, and reversing or improving the condition may require time, although immediate benefits are often noticeable.

Excess weight significantly increases the risk of diabetes.

Changing nutritional or exercise habits can be challenging, but progress is achievable by aiming to improve each day.

It is never too late to return to healthy habits.

Consuming a variety of colorful foods daily is beneficial.

Type 2 diabetes is categorized as a lifestyle disease, one of more than 3,000 that can be avoided or mitigated by focusing on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and water intake. Major lifestyle diseases may include most cardiac diseases, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and others. While some Adventists lead healthy lifestyles, there is room for improvement for most, leading to significant health benefits.

Several participants proved the effectiveness of the seminar by reducing their insulin levels within a few weeks, with some experiencing days without requiring insulin. Others reported remarkable improvements in their test results after just a few weeks, to the astonishment of their doctors. Many noted feeling better within one to two weeks.

Feedback from participants:

“My family urged me to take action for a long time, but you provided the guidance I needed.”

“My overall health has improved immensely.”

“I am eager to apply what I’ve learned and attend again.”

“I’ve learned to eat healthily according to God’s intended design.”

“I was ignorant, but now I am enlightened.”

“Please continue these seminars.”

“I’ve lost 23 pounds!”

“I’ve lost 10 pounds!”

The Reversing Diabetes Seminar is not exclusively for diabetics; it advocates for a lifestyle beneficial to all. It serves as a valuable tool for evangelism, fostering community engagement and strengthening relationships between church members and the wider community.

Carolina | March 2024

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