The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The Sweet Medical Center held their first ever Diabetes Beatdown this past Saturday at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about Diabetes. The disease affects so many Blaine County Citizens and the goal was to educate the general public about it.

Most people dealing with Diabetes in our area struggle with Type 2 while a smaller number, about 5% deal with Type 1.

Type 1 - Commonly believed to be an autoimmune condition where for unknown reasons the persons body attacks the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The damage is irreversible and permanent.

Type 2 - The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown but it is widely accepted that genetics, limited physical activity and obesity are major contributing factors. Type 2 diabetes essentially means that your body has lost the ability to process insulin. Type 2 Diabetes can be controlled and with a proper change in diet and exercise, patients can return to a normal life.

In bringing awareness to the public the Sweet Medical Center had lots planned for Saturday with plenty of vendors on hand inside the commercial building from 8:00 a.m. until after 4:00 p.m.

Outside more than 70 runners took part in either the One Mile, Three Mile or Five Mile races. Competitive timing was on hand for the race, encourage runners to compete to the best of their ability. There was also a Fun Run/Walk of one mile for those just looking to show their support.

Runners ranged from the very young to the wise and older folk and competed hard in each event. There were plenty students on hand from our local schools including several members of the Harlem High School Cross Country Team.

The Harlem High School Cross Country team had the weekend off as they prepare for the Class B State Meet in Great Falls this coming Saturday. They approached the Diabetes Beatdown as a way to get some extra preparation in while also supporting a great cause.

Sophomore Taya Trottier was the winner of the 3-mile women's race and senior L'Tia Lawrence won the 5-mile women's race. On the mens side of things sophomore Daniel Lawrence took home the championship in the 3-mile race and senior Truth Brockie was the winner of the 5-mile race.

For the most part the races seemed to go off without a hitch. The runners seemed to really enjoy their time on the course and the opportunity to run for such a great cause. Some runners may have ended up running a little farther than they anticipated as they veered off course. Their only suggestion was to color code the arrows for each race, but they all enjoyed it and were looking forward to running again.

More than 20 Vendors were on hand or the Sweet Medical Center Diabetes Beatdown this past Saturday at the Blaine County fairgrounds. They offered plenty o services ranging from health products to food and the Sweet Medical staff was on hand providing guest with information about Diabetes.

Inside the commercial building vendors filled the facility, offering a variety of goods from cosmetics and oils to Scentsy products, custom engraved wood designs, massage therapy as well as food beverages from the Streatery Food Truck and Bikini Coffee.

Handmade crafts ranging from t-shirts to cup-holders were also available. Artwork and photography were available.

Representatives from the Sweet Medical Center, Blaine County Health, Fort Belknap and others were also on hand to help raise diabetes awareness with their booths.

The state goal of the Diabetes Beatdown was highlighted by four specific points.

1. Raise awareness of the rapid growth of diabetes in our region.

2. Raise funds for the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP).

3. Raise funds to provide a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for our patients.

4. Provide a healthy, fun activity for our community.

At the conclusion of the event, it's fair to say that organizers met their goal.