Aurora University students launched an aggressive attack on Type 2 diabetes, Sunday, Oct. 26.
Two AU undergraduates and an alum presented “Healing Diabetes Together,” a PowerPoint show that was screened at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Presenters were AU seniors Blend Dalipi, of Plano, and Hlawn Tlang, Aurora, with AU grad Jatniel Morales Gomez, Oswego.
The trio presented findings of a study conducted from August 2024 to May under supervision of Chih-Chiun Chen, Ph.D., AU associate professor of health science. In addition to Dalipi, Tlang and Morales Gomez, other AU students on the research team were Arber Beshiri and Itssel Garcia. Students conducted interviews with 255 individuals to determine how many were aware of the dangers of diabetes. The team’s findings culminated in two posters and a brochure, “Let’s Talk about Diabetes,” which was distributed at the program.
Tlang said, “While the research project is completed, Blend and I are continuing to reach out to underserved communities in hopes of educating everyone on how to manage and prevent diabetes.” She said public presentations will be announced.
Surveys in English and Spanish were made available to potential participants in healthcare facilities and in social media. Results showed that the highest diabetes risk factors among survey participants were family history, overweight/obesity, unawareness of prevention and management programs and unwillingness to participate in programs when recommended by a healthcare provider.
According to the study, 44 percent of people rarely talk about diabetes, 41 percent display a poor/neutral attitude about treatment and 75 percent of participants were overweight.
Guest speakers were Russ George, president of Diabetes Club of Fox Valley, a North Aurora-based nonprofit and Rick Sanchez, owner/lead trainer at Legacy Nutrition and Fitness of Aurora. George said Diabetes Club provides aid, awareness, education and research. Founded in 2022, the club’s mission is to support efforts to prevent and find a cure for diabetes.
“Our vision is to have a world free of diabetes,” he said.
The club will cosponsor Healthy Futures Expo Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Society 57, 100 S. River Street in Aurora. The free, bilingual event will feature health screens, a meal prep class, raffle prizes, giveaways and wellness speakers from local and national organizations.
—Al Benson