Diabetes educators from the brand new Henry Mayo Fitness and Health Center in Valencia are offering three free informational classes to the community on topics related to diabetes management.

With an average of 35 patients with diabetes seen at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital every day, teaching those living with the disease how to manage their diabetes is crucial.

“Any of what I provide in terms of education is free to the public… It’s a community benefit,” said Debra D’Angelo, a registered dietitian and diabetes educator at the fitness and health center. “The whole reason I do it (is) to help people know that they can live a much better life.”

Classes are two hours each, and attendees can choose from three different topics: a basic overview of diabetes, nutrition and managing diabetes long-term.

A fourth class, which would focus on gestational diabetes for women who are diagnosed while pregnant, is also in the works, according to D’Angelo.

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The goal of these classes is to help people living with diabetes learn how to properly manage their disease in order to prevent serious, often irreversible complications, which can range from blindness to loss of circulation in the feet to heart and kidney disease.

“(If) they aren’t managing it well, they can have a lot of health consequences,” D’Angelo said. “All of those health issues can be possibly prevented if people get education; they understand if they take their medication; they test their blood; they know if things are changing, they’ve got to go back to the doctor; they need to exercise; they need to eat differently. So it’s kind of a process.”

D’Angelo added that it’s not uncommon for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes to avoid seeking help from their doctor if they find themselves struggling with the management of their disease, making access to these kinds of free classes vital.

“I sometimes think they feel self conscious, that they should know, but if they’ve never been taught, how will they learn?” she said. “We’re here and available and can give education.”

For more information on Henry Mayo’s Diabetes Management Program, click here or call 661-200-2300.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is a 238-bed, not-for-profit community hospital and trauma center in Santa Clarita. The Henry Mayo Hospital emergency department is open 24-7 to provide critical life-saving services, with a panel of physicians available around the clock for critical healthcare needs. In addition, a number of specialized care services are also available, including a maternity department, community hospital cancer program, advanced primary stroke center, spine and joint program, acute rehab unit, cardiology services, outpatient wound care, physical and occupational therapies and a wide range of surgical services.

Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

23845 McBean Parkway

Valencia, CA 91355

661-253-8000