Madison UMC organizes support group for diabetes
Sanctuary at Madison United Methodist Church (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Diabetes causes more deaths annually than breast cancer and AIDS combined, the American Diabetes Association states. Madison United Methodist Church has organized a support group for individuals dealing with diabetes.
“We know how hard it can be to go through something life changing. This (group) will be an opportunity for people to ask questions and find support for their struggles,” youth director Shannon Lott said.
Meetings cover various topics and questions. “We’re structured so that we come together and have group discussion about medicines and how we’re dealing with the issues,” Lott said. “We share recipes that have been helping us stay on task, keeping blood sugar under control.”
Because meetings are held in a church setting, Biblical doctrine and prayer is weaved into the group discussion to offer hope for participants. “We encourage others to keep their bodies healthy, just as God has asked us to keep our bodies like a temple,” she said.
Like most major diseases, diabetes has prevalent misconceptions about its effects on a person’s lifestyle. “People believe they have to give up everything, as far as eating goes. But, the truth is, it’s about moderation and about learning what your body needs,” Lott said.
Thus far, group meetings have been small but the response to sessions has been positive. “People have found our information useful,” Lott said.
The diabetes support group meets monthly at Madison UMC in the Lady’s Friendship classroom. Meeting dates vary, with participants deciding on their schedule during meetings.
Their next meeting will be April 22 at 6:30 p.m. with a registered dietitian as a guest speaker.
Madison UMC’s address is 127 Church St. Founded in 1828, the church originally stood at the intersection of Old Madison Pike and Hughes Road. Congregation members moved the church building to its current location by rolling the structure on logs.
Rev. Larry Wright serves as senior pastor at Madison UMC.
For more information, call 256-325-7601 or email to shannon@madisonum.org.
