Health District launches Road to Diabetes Prevention online program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 17, 2015

LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District recently launched its newest online program, the Road to Diabetes Prevention, a free six-session program to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The program is self-paced and includes optional activities and available resources in the community. While it is open to anyone, the Road to Diabetes Prevention program is recommended for people who could have pre-diabetes. For information or to sign up for the program, visit the Get Healthy Clark County website, www.GetHealthyClarkCounty.org/training/diabetes.

The program is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Road to Health toolkit that includes healthy eating and physical activity educational information to help individuals reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants can learn about their own risk factors and how to make simple lifestyle changes to reduce their risks.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that 86 million Americans – more than 1 out of 3 adults age 20 and older – are considered to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are elevated but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. That number is up from 79 million in 2010. People with pre-diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. For some people with pre-diabetes, early treatment can return blood glucose levels to the normal range. There are no clear symptoms of pre-diabetes so many people are unaware of their status.

According to research, healthier eating habits and increased physical activity can reduce a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent; physical activity can be as simple as walking for 30 minutes at least five days per week. In addition, losing about 7 percent of one’s body weight can help (about 15 pounds for a 200-pound person) to reduce the risk of disease.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.