TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – This is Diabetes Awareness Month. It is a chronic disease that impacts tens of millions of Americans and puts you at a higher risk of serious health complications, including heart attack and stroke.
In many cases, making lifestyle changes can help you manage diabetes. Mercy Health offers community classes that can help you do just that.
John Trease is one of about 38 million Americans who have diabetes. But some simple changes have added up to big results and that has helped Trease keep doing what he loves.
Trease is a cabinet maker by trade and Santa’s helper on the side. And he is a big fan of treats.
“I was really a sugar junkie. Half of my diet was goodies,” Trease said.
Trease wasn’t feeling well earlier this year and went to his doctor. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in March and started on medication.
“Definitely a wake-up call,” Trease said.
In addition to his medicine, Trease also took part in Mercy Health community classes.
“You listen and you do it and it’s good. I am thankful because I want to be around for my grandkids. That’s important, I was really concerned about that,” Trease said.
Brenda Bal is a registered nurse who works with Mercy Health Diabetes Education Services.
“Education can make a world of difference, we see folks who were diagnosed 20 years ago and people who are newly diagnosed,” Bal said.
Trease took part in one of Bal’s community classes.
“Those tend to be four to eight sessions with the same group. You can build a relationship with your classmates and know you are not alone,” Bal said. “Lifestyle can have such an impact on blood sugar level and when you work on that, often that weight comes off.”
So, Santa John is tightening his belt this year, quite literally. Thanks to his doctor and those community classes, he has had to make some changes.
“I’ve had to have them taken in, I’ve lost 40 pounds. Nowhere does it say Santa has to be obese. He can be chubby or plump, but he doesn’t have to be obese. I hear skinny Santas are actually a thing,” Trease said.
So when it comes to leaving Santa John a treat…
“I’m sorry, they’ll be left on the plate if they leave me cookies,” Trease said.
Santa John said he now prefers a fruit or veggie tray.
Trease said if he keeps heading in the right direction, he could be done taking medication early next year.
To learn more about the Mercy Health community classes, click here. Or call (419) 251-4505.
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