November is American Diabetes Month
Health District aims to raise awareness of diabetes epidemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 5, 2024
LAS VEGAS – In recognition of American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District is raising awareness of one of the most widespread diseases in the United States. Diabetes is 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.
The Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion is calling attention to the diabetes epidemic by offering free diabetes self-management education and support classes for people who have diabetes, and a free online program for people who have prediabetes. A free virtual class, using Teams, will be held November 7, 14 and 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. The class, taught by health educators, will provide participants with helpful information about diabetes as well as healthy recipes and other resources. To register for the virtual class, complete the online Get Healthy Clark County Diabetes Workshop Interest Form or call (702) 759-1270. For information on additional classes, events and programs offered during November, visit the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar.
In 2023, 12.8% of adults in Clark County (238,102 people) had diabetes. Approximately 283,700 people in Nevada, or 11.3% of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Nationally, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, with 8.7 million unaware of their condition, increasing their health risks. An estimated 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year.
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.
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 Get Healthy Clark County|Obesity.
- Anyone 35 and older.
- Any adult who is overweight or has obesity.
- Anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes.
A simple blood sugar test can determine if a person has prediabetes or type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Testing is quick, and results are usually available soon after. For more information on screening, visit CDC|Testing for Diabetes.
In addition to health concerns, diabetes also carries a significant financial burden. People with diabetes have medical expenses approximately 2.6 times higher than those who do not have diabetes. In 2017, it was ++estimated that total indirect costs from lost productivity due to diabetes was $704 million.
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. Additional information about screening is available at CDC|Additional 12 Million US Adults Eligible for Diabetes Screening. To learn more about American Diabetes Month, visit the American Diabetes Association website.
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.