Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.
One in 11 Americans has diabetes — that’s more than 29 million people. And another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Make a Difference
To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living, The Great Plains QIN is proudly supporting American Diabetes Month. Use this month to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors and make healthy changes.
- Encourage people to make small changes, take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Talk to people in your community about getting regular checkups. They can get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and ask the doctor about their diabetes risk
- Doctors and nurses can become leaders in the communities by speaking about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity
Take Action
If you are overweight, have high blood pressure or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. To help prevent type 2 diabetes:
- Watch your weight
- Eat healthy
- Get more physical activity
For more information regarding the Great Plains QIN Diabetes Initiative as well as upcoming events, visit the Diabetes Care page or contact a member of our team; you can access the list of Diabetes Team Members via the Local Contacts tab of the site.