In the past three years Leah Schultz’s blood sugar levels were sometimes dangerously high. She had been managing her Type 2 diabetes without medication since she was diagnosed in 2001.

"Then 'life' caught up with me," she said. "I was out of control and had to start taking medication."

After the 61-year-old resident of San Bruno retired from her post as administrative assistant to the superintendent of the San Bruno Park School District last summer, she started going to Mills-Peninsula’s Diabetes Weight Management Series.

"This class has helped me get my diabetes under control," she said. "I’ve lost 28 pounds so far. But equally important, my A1C went from 8.1% to 6.8%."

The hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures average blood glucose levels for the last two to three months. People without diabetes generally have an AIC of less than 6 percent.

"Studies have shown that a drop in hemoglobin A1C reduces microvascular complications due to diabetes by 35 percent," according to Donna DeKay, a Mills-Peninsula registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

"A weight loss of just 5 percent will drop the A1C by 2 percent."

These numbers help explain why weight management is critical to people with diabetes.

"Weight loss in the early stages of diabetes can delay the onset of complications," DeKay said.

"In fact, if you are pre-diabetic, losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight, eating a healthy high-fiber, low-fat diet that reduces total calories and getting 150 minutes of exercise each week are steps that may prevent you from developing diabetes."

DeKay leads the Diabetes Weight Management Series, which combines instruction on nutrition and managing weight to control diabetes and improve quality of life.

"We look at how you can adjust carbohydrates to improve blood sugar levels and how to plan meals, increase fiber, choose heart healthy fats and read labels," she said.

"The class has helped me focus on good nutrition – understanding more about the medications I take and how they combine with my diet and exercise program to lower my blood sugar readings, thereby avoiding dangerous highs and lows," Schultz said.

"Through the camaraderie of the group, I realized I am not alone with the struggle of diabetes management and that there is help and support available."

An estimated 21 million Americans have diabetes and the numbers are growing, according to DeKay.

"It has been estimated that one out of three babies born in 2000 will be diagnosed with diabetes in their life time."

"This class – along with the Diabetes Exercise Program I attend three times a week at the Peninsula Fitness Center – has been a lifesaver," Schultz said.

"I feel so much better about living and coping with my diabetes. Now that I have the tools I need to lead a healthier life, I look forward to a long and productive retirement."

The series meets Wednesdays, 10 – 11 a.m., and Thursdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Mills Health Center. Fee is $37/4 sessions and $27/3 sessions. For more information call 696-5600.