RSF Senior Center learns about diabetes

RANCHO SANTA FE — In an effort to educate its senior members, the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center hosted an afternoon program highlighting the prevention, diagnosis and treatment options of diabetes. Speaking to the crowd on Feb. 24 was Encinitas concierge physician, Stuart B. Kipper, MD.

According to Kipper, roughly 115 million Americans have an issue where their sugar was “off,” 86 million have pre-diabetes, 30 million have Type 2 diabetes, and 3 million were diagnosed with childhood onset of diabetes called Type 1. The root cause of the disease, he said, was a direct link with an insulin challenge.

While Type 1 diabetes was either facing no insulin or bad insulin challenges, Type 2 was medically considered as being resistant to insulin.

Kipper went on to say that the entire country is impacted by diabetes. While some might think that Californians live a healthier lifestyle, he said, the state is still dealing with the disease like the rest of the nation.

Guests were given handouts prepared by Kipper highlighting various medical aspects, including a variety of tests to help pinpoint diabetes such as fasting glucose, glucose tolerance testing and hemoglobin A1C. Everyone also learned the importance of the proactive trifecta measures of weight loss, exercise and diet. Kipper also touched upon the various medications available to those with diabetes.

Following the presentation, Kipper was on hand for questions and answers, navigating those in the audience toward patient empowerment.