We Have the Power To Fight Diabetes!
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is associated with serious complications, such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented. Whether you are a health care provider, community representative or a health educator, you have an important role to play when it comes to diabetes education and support.
This issue, featuring information to help people living with or at risk for diabetes, their families and caregivers, is brought to you by the National Diabetes Education Program, a joint effort of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), a part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The NIDDK supports research to understand better the causes and progression of diabetes and its complications and to develop effective prevention and treatment options.
Featured Health Information
In the fact sheet We Have the Power To Prevent Diabetes, learn seven powerful steps that American Indians and Alaska Natives can take to prevent type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes. Moving more, taking off some weight, making healthy food choices and setting attainable goals can help delay or prevent this type of diabetes.
Diabetes Diet, Eating & Physical Activity is an online resource that emphasizes nutrition and physical activity as important parts of a healthy lifestyle when you have diabetes. Along with other benefits, following a healthy meal plan and being active can help you keep your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, in your target range.
Diabetes is very common among American Indian and Alaska Native people. Yet, for most people, diabetes is only one of the many things in their lives that they worry about. The publication Living a Balanced Life With Diabetes [PDF – 925 KB] can help you learn how to handle stress and make healthy food choices while taking care of your diabetes.
The webpage 4 Steps To Manage Your Diabetes for Life describes four steps you can take to manage your diabetes, create a diabetes care plan that works for you and make wise choices for your diabetes care each day.
News & Events
Good news! Kidney failure from diabetes has seen a dramatic decrease among American Indians and Alaska Natives, according to the CDC and the Indian Health Service. The report and related materials can be found on the Vital Signs website.
The 2017 Diabetes in Indian Country Conference will take place September 19–21, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Register today and view the agenda.