By Tiffany Wade/reporter

Life changes when diabetes is diagnosed, the community outreach coordinator for JPS Health Network told South Campus students and staff April 4.

“So if you get an opportunity to do something about it before it gets to that point, please do so,” Toya Norton said.

Norton led the first of a four-class brown bag luncheon series, Diabetes Empowerment Education Program, designed to provide diabetes prevention as well as management intervention.

Norton discussed the different types of diabetes, the effects of each on the body and symptoms one should look for.

“Excessive thirst, constant hunger and frequent urination are all key indicators that one could possibly have diabetes,” she said.

Attendees were divided into teams and asked to create body silhouettes to illustrate the many organs mostly affected by diabetes.

South student Renee Le Bleu said the interactive experience was informative and even gave her a mini-refresher course in anatomy.

“I definitely plan on coming to the next class,” Le Bleu said.

It is important to know the risk factors associated with diabetes, Norton said.

“Really, it’s our taste buds that are ‘punking’ us and running the show.” She said. “Anyone can be at risk for diabetes. The myth that only heavyset people have diabetes is completely absurd and is the biggest misconception of all.”

Marlya Mitchell, South adjunct instructor, has diabetes.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for both faculty and students to get informed about things like changing their eating habits,” she said. “We tend to take our health for granted.”

Norton said everyone who attends the classes is not a diabetic and having a diagnosis isn’t necessary to be informed.

“I hope after leaving, they’ll begin to build healthy eating habits and, most importantly, share the information they have received with everyone they meet,” she said about attendees.