FLORENCE – The Pinal County Public Health District is holding its monthly Diabetes Education classes in May. This month’s classes will deal with depression and stress issues diabetics may come across in their battle with the disease.

Stress related to diabetes can affect blood glucose levels when a diabetic fails to take good care of themselves by watching what they eat. Stress hormones can also contribute to a rise in blood glucose levels.

Studies have shown that female diabetics are more likely to suffer from depression while fighting the disease.

Diabetes Education Program Coordinator Mary Gonzales hosts the free classes designed to educate those that suffer from the disease and offer them help in a supportive environment.

All diabetics are encouraged to attend and share their experiences and how they’re coping with diabetes.

The support groups will meet at the following locations:

• Apache Junction: Tuesday, May 1, 10:00 am. Apache Junction Senior Center; 1035 North Idaho Road
• Florence: Thursday, May 3, 10:00 am. Dorothy Nolan Senior Center; 330 North Pinal Street
• San Tan Valley: Tuesday, May 8, 3:00 pm. Pinal County Public Health Department; 36235 North Gantzel Road
• Mammoth: Thursday, May 10, 1:00 pm. Mammoth Community Center; 101 Fifth Street
• Superior: Tuesday, May 15, 10:30 am. Superior Senior Center; 326 Main Street
• Eloy/Toltec: Thursday, May 17, 10:00 am. Eloy/Toltec Adult Center; 3925 North Shira Street
• Casa Grande: Tuesday, May 22, 3:00 pm. Casa Grande Public Library – APS Community Room; 449 North Drylake Street
• Maricopa: Thursday, May 24, 3:00 pm. Maricopa Public Health Department; 41600 West Smith-Enke Road, Building 15

If you would like to know more about the Diabetes Education Program, call Mary Gonzales at 1-800-231-8499 ext. 7338 or email at mary.gonzales@pinalcountyaz.gov.