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Expert discusses common types of diabetes,

and which ones can be prevented

Mary Niester is the Program Coordinator for the Diabetes Prevention Program at Trinity Health Livonia.

With November being Diabetes Awareness Month, Niester discusses the most common types of diabetes, ways to prevent them, how medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be helpful, and much more.

Musings is pleased to share this information to the readers of Musings as we head into the holiday season

Q: What exactly is diabetes, and how is it commonly diagnosed?

Niester: Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses glucose (blood sugar). If not treated, these higher glucose levels can cause serious complications such as heart attacks, kidney failure or nerve damage. The three most common are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes.

• Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a shortage of insulin produced, and high blood glucose levels.
• Type 2 is much more common and develops when your body doesn’t make or use insulin well. This leads to abnormal blood glucose levels in the body.
• Gestational Diabetes can occur in women during their pregnancy when their body cannot produce the proper amount of insulin, leading to higher-than-normal blood glucose. This is usually resolved after childbirth. Being diagnosed with Gestational diabetes can lead to a higher likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
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Q: How can someone best prevent themselves from developing Type 2 diabetes?

Niester: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a well-balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, and exercising for at least 30 minutes per day five days per week — according to the CDC — can help prevent Type 2 diabetes. Certain risk factors such as genetics can’t be changed, so it’s even more important to adopt healthy changes to best prevent diabetes.

Q: Talk about the Diabetes Prevention Program at Trintiy Health Livonia. What exactly is it, and what type of support or services do you offer?

Niester: We have been offering the Diabetes Prevention Program for the past six years. This program is a no cost, year-long support program available to the community. We offer classes to educate participants and support them and their loved ones who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. We work with participants to set goals around healthy eating, increasing their physical activity level, and problem-solving lifestyle factors that may be contributing to their condition. This is a great opportunity to learn about things that impact blood glucose levels, including what foods are most beneficial and ones that significantly affect glucose levels.

Q: Are there certain requirements needed to join the program?

Niester: Yes, there are some eligibility requirements. The program is available for adults 18 years and older who have a BMI of 25 or above, have elevated blood glucose levels, or score a certain number on the CDC’s diabetes risk test. This test is based on family history, their height/weight, age, and other indicators.

Q: How helpful can recently released medications be for treating diabetes?

Niester: We have several patients with prediabetes that have a prescription for weight loss medications, such as Wegovy. The most important thing people learn from taking these medications is they still have to change their lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and maintain healthy activity levels to lose weight and sustain that weight loss. These types of medications are designed to keep you fuller for longer, which helps patients listen to their bodies and understand how it feels to be hungry and satisfied after a meal.

There are also medications like Ozempic that are made specifically for people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has the same active ingredient as Wegovy, which has shown to decrease appetite and lower blood glucose, so this is also an effective medication for patients to take.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like diabetes patients to know?

Niester: If diabetes is impacting your life or the life of someone close to you, we are here to help. Trinity Health Livonia offers a wealth of resources for community members that are in need of support. For assistance and to explore diabetes prevention and management programs available near you, please visit https://www.trinityhealthmichigan.org/find-a-service-or-specialty/diabetes-and-endocrine/diabetes/prevention.

The typewriter is on the Road Again. Learning more about America.

Visiting the Georgia National Cemetery

on Memorial Day with a purpose. Acknowledging our veterans while

learning about the brother of Livonia's

Doug Andridge

The day the typewriter left for Georgia, I received a note from Doug Andridge of Livonia, mentioning that his brother was interred at the Georgia National Cemetery. He provided me with the section and site number.

While reading Musings, he noted that I planned to visit this 775-acre cemetery on Memorial Day, a site donated by a WWII veteran. And that is exactly what I did, along with the bodyguard, her sister, and brother-in-law.

Upon arrival at the cemetery, we were met with over 25,000 burial plots. However, navigating the meticulously arranged sections, in a beautifully, serene setting, didn't take long to locate the resting place of LCDR Phillip Carl Andridge, a 22-year Navy Pilot, and Vietnam veteran.

On the trip I learned that the Department of Veterans Affairs manages 155 national cemeteries across 42 states and Puerto Rico. These cemeteries are the final resting place for over five million Americans, encompassing veterans from every conflict, ranging from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror, spread over 23,000 acres.

Additionally, over 390 Medal of Honor recipients are interred in these hallowed grounds. The most expansive, covering 1,237 acres, is located in Riverside, California, while the oldest, established in 1849, is the Benicia Arsenal in California.

Doug, visiting your brother's grave site was a profound honor. My father, who served in the Pacific Theatre as a United States Army veteran during WWII, rests in his native Farmville, North Carolina. A few months ago, I paid respects to both dad and mom, and I plan to return again this coming spring.

Before visiting LCDR Andridge's final resting place I wanted to learn about him. Thanks Doug for introducing me to your brother, a fellow Chippewa. At his gravesite I paid homage to his service and that of the 25,000 buried along with him:

Phillip PHILLIP CARL ANDRIDGE born August 12, 1940, died April 3, 2014. Phil was born in Lansing, Michigan. His parents were Richard Smith Andridge and June Lucille (Krueger) Andridge. Phil attended J.W.Sexton High School, Central Michigan University, and Michigan State University and received his degree while in the US Navy. Phil was a Navy Pilot for 22 years and retired from the USN in 1983, having lived in various places around the world. After retiring Phil lived In Oakland, CA for several years and has lived in Clarkston, Georgia for the past 30 years. Phil was a member of St. Marks United Methodist Church and the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus, retiring from the chorus in 2012. Phil enjoyed many activities including Opera, bowling and playing softball. Phil is survived by his Partner Ahmed Alehremi, his ex-wife Mary (Rathbun) Langley, his two sons Jeffrey (Kassie), David (Ilene), grandchildren Kami, Riley, Mary Beth, Ian, Paige, Lauren and Delany. He is also survived by his brother Douglas (Martha) and sisters Linda Andridge and Carla Taylor. Phil was predeceased by his brother Richard Smith Andridge, Jr.

Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace has been talked about and now the new 48,000 sq ft store is on the way in partnership with Schoolcraft College

Last Thursday, a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on the Schoolcraft College campus, signaling the start of construction for a 48,000 square-foot Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace. This marketplace will offer gourmet meats, produce, flowers, and more.

Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan and President Dr. Glenn Cerny celebrated the groundbreaking, highlighting the benefits for the college and the community.

The market is set to be located in the North commuter lot of the college campus, adjacent to the Vistatech Center on Haggerty Road.

The new establishment is poised to provide Schoolcraft students with opportunities in various programs, including culinary arts, supply chain management, accounting, and others.

Trash and recycling carts should start arriving the Week of November 24. Watch for the card the week of November 11 with deadline to select the size you want November 18.

Residents are expected to receive a postcard during the week of November 11, which will provide details on how to request the 64-gallon carts from Toter, the manufacturer. To select your cart size, you must contact Toter directly and provide the unique verification code found on the postcard. The selection deadline is Monday, November 18.

The delivery of carts to your residence will start the week of November 24. You are welcome to start using them upon receipt. The delivery process is expected to be completed by the Christmas holiday.

For additional information, please visit LetsRollLivonia.org.

Art from the Heart November 16

Sharing warmth November 20

Breaking Barriers for Kids & Families is teaming up with Clarenceville High School on November 20th, beginning at 4:30 PM, to create 200 no-sew blankets and fleece scarves for families in need.

This initiative is another way our community embodies the Thanksgiving spirit, with volunteers dedicating their time to bring warmth to local families.

See you at Clarenceville High School. 11/20.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.