Health District offers free diabetes classes

Programs offer education, support, recipes and other resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2025

LAS VEGAS – As the new year gets underway, the Southern Nevada Health District begins its schedule of free diabetes self-management, education and support classes, offered in English, Spanish, in-person and online. The 2025 schedule of classes starts in mid-January.

Diabetes ranks as the eighth leading cause of death in the United States and is the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. Individuals with diabetes are also at an increased risk of severe complications from flu and COVID-19. In 2023, 12.8% of adults in Clark County, or 238,102 people, were living with diabetes. In Nevada, approximately 283,700 people—11.3% of the state’s adult population—have been diagnosed with the condition. Nationwide, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, with 8.7 million unaware of their diagnosis, putting their health at greater risk. Each year, an estimated 1.2 million Americans are newly diagnosed with diabetes.

The Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers diabetes classes throughout the year at the Main Public Health Center, 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Facilitated by trained health educators, participants learn how to manage their blood sugar, stay physically active and adopt healthier eating habits.

District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said the classes provide personalized services to help people manage diabetes. He said, “Participants can learn valuable, practical skills to fit diabetes care into their lives, while discovering what works best for their health.”

The Health District is currently accepting registrations for in-person classes that run through mid-May:

English:

February 19 and 26: 10 a.m.–noon
March 19 and 26: 10 a.m.–noon
May 15 and 22: 10 a.m.–noon

Spanish:

January 22 and 29: 10 a.m.–noon
February 20 and 27: 2-4 p.m.
March 17 and 24: 10 a.m.–noon
April 15 and 22: 2-4 p.m.
May 12 and 19: 10 a.m.–noon

To register, call (702) 759-1270, email gethealthy@snhd.org or complete the Diabetes Self-Management Interest Form. Registration for Spanish-language classes is available at the Viva Saludable website.

To learn more about diabetes resources in Southern Nevada, go to Get Healthy Clark County|Local Diabetes Resources or Viva Saludable|Recursos locales para la diabetes. For information about additional classes, events and programs offered by the Health District, visit the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar.

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.