National Diabetes Month is observed every November to draw attention to diabetes and its effects on millions of Americans. Every year, we come together to ring the alarm on the diabetes epidemic. For the millions who are at risk for it, it’s a time to get educated, find resources and make sure all those around us are aware of their risk. And for the millions of individuals living with diabetes, it’s a chance to tell their stories and help better understand this epidemic and its impact in an effort to do better.
According to the North Dakota Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, over 200,000 North Dakotans have prediabetes. The number is comparable in South Dakota. Every 21 seconds, someone new is diagnosed¹. Are you, or someone you love, at risk for developing type 2 diabetes? Take this online risk test to find out.
While some risk factors are beyond control, individuals can take action to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes using simple, proven lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy weight, eat healthier and get regular physical activity. Fortunately, individuals in the Dakotas also have access to programs and resources to offer education, resources and assistance for individuals living with diabetes, their loved ones, community advocates and healthcare providers.
Diabetes Resources and Programs in the Dakotas
Through a network of local leaders, community organizations and health systems, NDC3 delivers programs to help individuals manage chronic health conditions, like diabetes and helps to foster overall well-being. NDC3 is improving health and wellness in communities across North Dakota. If you are coping with high blood pressure, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, diabetes or other chronic conditions, NDC3 can support your efforts to live life as fully and independently as possible. NDC3’s programs are evidence-based and proven to make a positive difference in quality of life measures, such as feeling more in control, less stressed and able to do more of what makes you feel well. Access the North Dakota 2020 Diabetes Report for an overview of the impact of diabetes in North Dakota, partners and resources as well as strategies for prevention and control.
The mission of the South Dakota Diabetes Coalition is to collaboratively improve the quality of life for all South Dakotans at risk for, or affected by, diabetes. The Coalition offers patient and provider education and resources, support group information, virtual nurse coordination, evaluation services and more. The South Dakota Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is part of the South Dakota Department of Health, Office of Health Promotion. The program receives funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use towards prevention and population-based intervention aimed at South Dakotans at risk for and with diabetes. To learn more about statewide diabetes efforts in South Dakota, access the 2018-2020 South Dakota Diabetes State Plan.
The Great Plains QIN team is working to support providers with the prevention and management of chronic diseases. We are offering education, resources and assistance to help prevent cardiovascular events, promote tobacco cessation, improve the management of diabetes to decrease diabetes complications, identify people at high risk for developing diabetes and chronic kidney disease. We have also included patient and family engagement and advance care planning as elements in chronic disease management. Learn more.
Rural Diabetes Prevention and Management Toolkit
The Rural Diabetes Prevention and Management Toolkit provides resources and best practices to help rural communities identify, implement and sustain a program to prevent and/or manage diabetes. The modules in this toolkit contain information and resources to guide developing, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining a rural program for diabetes prevention and/or management.
For more information on rural community health programs, including general strategies for developing and implementing a program, visit the Rural Community Health Toolkit.