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Diabetes Education and Support: A Growing Need in a World Facing a Pandemic of Diabetes
Published: 2026/01/17 15:07:14
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels,which over time can lead to serious damage to the heart,blood vessels,eyes,kidneys,and nerves. With a global prevalence that has more than quadrupled since 1990,now affecting over 800 million adults worldwide [[2]], effective diabetes education and support are more critical than ever. This article explores the importance of community-based programs, like the one offered at Holyoke Medical Center, and the broader context of the global diabetes epidemic.
The Global Diabetes crisis: A Rapidly Increasing Threat
The rise of diabetes is a significant public health concern. According to the World Health Association (WHO), diabetes is one of the four major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) [[1]]. In 2018, an estimated 131 million people in the Western Pacific region alone were living with diabetes, and tragically, 262,000 deaths were attributed to the disease in 2019 [[1]]. These numbers underscore the urgent need for prevention, early detection, and comprehensive management strategies.
The Role of Education and Support Groups
Effective diabetes management requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medical treatment. Education empowers individuals to understand their condition, make informed lifestyle choices, and actively participate in their care.Support groups provide a safe and encouraging habitat where people with diabetes can share experiences, learn from one another, and cope with the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.
Benefits of Diabetes Education and Support
- Improved Self-Management: Understanding blood glucose monitoring, medication adherence, and healthy eating habits leads to better control of the disease.
- Reduced Complications: Proactive management can significantly lower the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.
- Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Connecting with others who understand the challenges of diabetes can reduce feelings of isolation and improve mental health.
- Increased Motivation: Sharing successes and overcoming obstacles with peers can boost motivation and adherence to treatment plans.
Holyoke Medical Center’s Bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group
Recognizing the importance of community-based support, Holyoke Medical Center (HMC) is offering an ongoing bilingual Diabetes Education and Support Group. The group meets every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the hospital’s Medical Office Building conference room, located on the third floor at 11 Hospital Dr., Holyoke. Each meeting features diabetes education provided by a certified diabetes care and education specialist or a member of the HMC Endocrinology & Diabetes Center team.
“Being educated and having a better understanding of diabetes enables people to be more prosperous in controlling or even reversing the progression of their disease,” says Corina Valvo, Diabetes Program coordinator for the HMC Endocrinology & Diabetes Center. “Support group members will be able to discuss struggles and solutions they have found while managing their diabetes with others going through similar experiences.”
For more information or to ask questions about the Diabetes Education and Support Group, contact the HMC Endocrinology & Diabetes center at (413) 534-2820.
Looking ahead: A Life-Course Approach to Diabetes
The WHO’s 2025 world Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes across life stages,” highlights the need for integrated care, supportive environments, and policies that promote health and self-management for all individuals living with diabetes [[3]]. This emphasizes the importance of a life-
