TILBURG – The ETZ invites patients and visitors on Thursday, November 14 – World Diabetes Day – to become aware of their own blood sugar level through a simple, free finger prick. This can be done between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the central hall of the ETZ Elisabeth location on Hilvarenbeekseweg in Tilburg.
Diabetes, also called diabetes, is a chronic condition. Many people don’t know they have it. In the Netherlands, 1.2 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 1,000 new diagnoses are added every week. Anyone can get diabetes. Awareness is therefore very important.
Complex condition
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease in which blood sugar is disrupted. People with diabetes need to closely monitor their blood sugar levels, diet and treatments such as insulin or tablets. Diabetes consultant Marloes Valckx emphasizes how complex this condition is. Diabetes patients must continuously monitor their health.
Well-being and diabetes
This year’s diabetes day is about well-being and diabetes. Attention is paid to lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy and exercising more. A smoking cessation coach and a dietician are present on this day. Visitors can have their blood sugar tested for free and receive the results immediately. A dietician provides information about sugar in food. Visitors can make good intentions with themselves through the lifestyle wheel. The best New Year’s resolutions have a chance to win a prize.
Diabetes team ETZ
The ETZ diabetes team consists of internist-endocrinologists, diabetes nurses, dieticians, a psychologist, medical social worker and a podiatrist. Together they provide care and support to people with diabetes and work closely with other specialties, such as gynecology, ophthalmology and (vascular) surgery.
World Diabetes Day: Awareness and Free Screening at ETZ
Ah, November 14! The day when we all get a little prick—a finger prick, that is! If you’re in Tilburg and need a reason to leave your cozy chair, grab your calendar; the ETZ is rolling out the red carpet for World Diabetes Day. That’s right! From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ETZ Elisabeth location on Hilvarenbeekseweg, you can check your blood sugar for free. Now, that’s how you lure people in without a massive pizza slice in sight!
The Diabetes Dilemma
Now, let’s chat about diabetes, shall we? We’re talking about a chronic condition that many folks don’t even realize they have. I mean, it’s like living with a roommate you didn’t invite—1.2 million people in the Netherlands know this struggle all too well, with another 1,000 newbies checking in weekly. The reality is, anyone could be next! So, if you’re running a marathon to the fridge, it might be time to get that blood sugar checked.
A Complex Condition—Not Just Numbers!
Diabetes mellitus! Sounds like a fancy dessert, but alas, it’s more technical than your tech-savvy uncle on a family Zoom call. Picture this: your blood sugar levels are a roller coaster—sometimes lofty, sometimes on a downward spiral, and you have to keep track of everything from your eating habits to whether you’ve given yourself enough insulin. Marloes Valckx, the diabetes consultant, describes it as a complex condition, which is just a posh way of saying, “This is harder than trying to fold a fitted sheet!”
Well-being and Lifestyle Changes
This year, the spotlight is on well-being. Yes, let’s talk about all those New Year’s resolutions you swear you’ll keep (but rapidly forget by February). Visitors can consult with a smoking cessation coach—because who doesn’t want a little guilt-trip while managing diabetes? Plan to expect tips about healthy eating, exercise, and sugar’s sneaky presence in our diets from a dietician who knows all your dirty secrets. And, if you need motivation, there’s a lifestyle wheel that’ll help you plot those ‘get fit’ intentions. It’s like The Wheel of Fortune, but instead of cash prizes, you win the illusion of being healthy!
The A-Team: ETZ Diabetes Team
Let’s wrap this up with the stars of the show—the ETZ diabetes team. They’ve got it all figured out: internist-endocrinologists, diabetes nurses, dieticians, psychologists, medical social workers, and even podiatrists. They work as a cohesive unit to provide care and support, working with other specialties like gynecology and ophthalmology. It’s like a health-version of The Avengers—without the spandex suits… thankfully!
Loes Valckx, a diabetes consultant, highlights just how intricate managing diabetes can be, explaining that patients need to continuously monitor their health and lifestyle to keep their condition in check. It’s not merely about the numbers; it’s a holistic approach to well-being.
Getting Informed: Wellness at the Heart
With this year’s theme focusing on well-being, the ETZ event will spotlight the importance of lifestyle adjustments. We have special guests like a smoking cessation coach and a dietician on hand to provide invaluable information. Visitors will not only leave with a free blood sugar test but also insights into healthier eating habits—especially concerning sugar! Plus, they can take part in fun initiatives like the lifestyle wheel where they can set new health goals for the year ahead. Who says resolutions can’t come with a prize?
Meet the Experts: The ETZ Diabetes Team
The ETZ diabetes team is a powerhouse, consisting of internist-endocrinologists, diabetes nurses, dieticians, a psychologist, and more, all working collaboratively. The comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of diabetes care is covered, including partnerships with other specialties like gynecology and ophthalmology. It truly showcases that managing diabetes is a team effort—one that emphasizes both medical and emotional support.
