 "Photo: Richard Bowie | Chronicle Photo")
Diabetes is a high risk among the CSUSB student population, and the Student Health and Psychological Counseling Center is vowing to spread awareness across campus.
The Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, who awarded CSUSB a $25,000 grant last fall for diabetes studies, has made it possible for the health center to bring awareness of the risk factors that lead to diabetes.
“In the I.E. we have a very high concentration of fast food areas. . . the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation felt that this area was most at risk for contracting diabetes," said Carlos Carrio, a health educator and wellness coordinator at the health center.
“The reason why so many people are getting type two diabetes is because we live sedimentary lives. There are many people who are on this boat and it is sinking," Carrio warned.
According to a 2007 National College Health Assessment, only 19 percent of our student population exercises at least three times a week, compared to the national average of 33 percent. This study also showed that only 18 percent of the students get their two to three servings of fruits and vegetables a day, compared to the national level of 29 percent.
Carrio said that in conjunction with the study of diabetes, the health science and human ecology department will be doing a study called "Weighing Your Choices".
The study involves two classes, one on campus, one online, worth two credits that will focus on nutrition, exercise and stress management.
The students for this study were randomly placed into the online classes or traditional class. “Basically what we’re looking at is two interventions to see if people who go to an actual class do better than an online class,” said Carrio.
He continued that the goals of this study are also to decrease the chance of college students from getting type two diabetes, decrease the body mass index, and increase fruits and vegetables on campus.
Already the campus has a Coyote produce stand which is on campus every Wed from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The health center is also working with the university's food supplier, Sodexo Inc., to supply better quality food on campus and make vending machine options healthier.
Free sugar testing will also be available during the next few weeks for students, faculty, and the community. This will give people the chance to test their sugar levels and detect pre-diabetes.
The finger prick test will be done on Tue, April 20, Wed, April 21, Tue, May 4 and Wed, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Santos Manuel Student Union, with results being ready immediately after.
It is estimated that 23.5 million aged 20 years or older have diabetes according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2007 fact sheet. Because diabetes can cause other complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, blindness and even amputation, early recognition will help in keeping your diabetes under control.
Carrio said some common symptoms of diabetes include feeling very thirsty, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, dizziness, and if symptoms are untreated, it can cause infections, which can lead to amputation.
You can also listen to Carrio give more information about diabetes and its risks on Coyote Radio live Wed, April 21 at 2 p.m.
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