November is American Diabetes Month

Health District raises awareness of diabetes epidemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 31, 2023

LAS VEGAS – In observance of American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is calling attention to one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness. People with diabetes also face a higher risk of developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19.

Approximately 269,783 people in Nevada, or nearly 11 percent of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 70,000 people have the disease, but don’t know it, thus increasing their health risks. An estimated 18,749 Nevada residents are diagnosed with diabetes every year.

The following people should be screened for prediabetes and diabetes:

• Anyone with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 25 (23 for Asian Americans), regardless of age, who has additional risk factors. To calculate BMI, visit the Get Healthy Clark County|Obesity website.
• Anyone older than age 35.
• People aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or have obesity. Go to www.cdc.gov/diabetes/resources-publications/research-summaries/screening-eligibility.html for more information.
• Women who have had gestational diabetes are advised to be screened for diabetes every three years.
• Anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes.

A blood sugar test can determine if a person has prediabetes or type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Testing is simple, and results are usually available quickly. For more information on screening, visit Diabetes Tests|CDC.

Approximately 816,000 people in Nevada have prediabetes with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes puts people at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

In addition to health concerns, diabetes also carries a significant financial burden. People with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes. An estimated $704 million was spent on indirect costs from lost productivity due to diabetes.

SNHD’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers free diabetes self-management education and support classes for people who have diabetes, and a free online program for people who have prediabetes. Classes, online programs and resources,  available in English and Spanish, can be accessed on the Get Healthy Clark County and Via Saludable|Diabetes websites or by calling (702) 759-1270. To be placed on the waiting list for self-management classes, complete the online Get Healthy Clark County Diabetes Workshop Interest Form or visit the Viva Saludable website.

For more information about American Diabetes Month, visit the American Diabetes Association website at American Diabetes Month|ADA.

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.