Join Connections IN Health and the Indiana State Department of Health in spreading awareness of National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Indiana (CDC, 2017). Hoosiers are increasingly feeling the effects of the disease with 2,096 deaths in 2017 (CDC, 2017). In 2018, 12.5% of Hoosiers were told they have diabetes, 1.2% having gestational and 9.4% having prediabetes (BRFSS, 2018). The World Diabetes Day (WDD) campaign goal is to boost awareness of the rising concern, promote early screening, and effective management within Indiana and beyond.

Diabetes Prevention and Awareness

• How much do you know about #Diabetes? Click to find out whether what you know is myth or truth.
• Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Indiana with 2,096 deaths in 2017 (CDC, 2017). Are you at risk?
• Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Don’t worry! The Diabetes Prevention Program is a proven way to prevent or delay type 2.  #WDDIndiana #PreventDiabetes #DiabetesEducation
• 12.5% of Hoosiers were told they have diabetes by a doctor. Once diagnosed, it cannot be reversed. But prediabetes can. Check your prediabetes risk. 

Diabetes Affects the Whole Family

• If type 2 diabetes runs in your family, take a moment to complete the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and learn about risk factors and steps to reduce your chances of developing #type2DM. #WDDIndiana
• History of type 1 diabetes? If an immediate relative has T1D, one’s risk of also developing T1D is 10 to 20 times greater than the risk for the general population. To find out more about your risks visit the Joslin Diabetes Center website.
• Gestational diabetes affects as many as 7% of women during pregnancy. The American Diabetes Association recommends all pregnant women without #diabetes be screened between the 24th and 28th week. Learn more about risk factors, testing, and treatment for gestational diabetes.
• Heart Disease and Diabetes: What is the Link? People with diabetes are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as people without Diabetes. Learn more about the link between Diabetes and Heart Disease. 

Diabetes Health: Nutrition:

• Do you love cooking with your family around the holidays? Check out the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Food Hub for videos, recipes, meal planning resources, and more to make tasty meals your whole family will love!
• Diabetes can run in your family, but so can a healthy lifestyle habit! #WDDIndiana #PreventDiabetes
• Being active & eating healthy can manage #diabetes and prevent #Type2DM. What’s one change you can make for #DiabetesAwarenessMonth?
• Thanksgiving is almost here, which means it’s time to talk about holiday food! Check out this document from the Northwest Kidney Centers for info on buying and preparing a healthy turkey and other tasty recipes too!

Impact of COVID-19 & Diabetes

• People with diabetes face a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19. In general, people with diabetes are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications when infected with a virus. To make sure you do not have any symptoms visit the CDC website.
• Your risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if your diabetes is well-managed. Learn more on diabetes management.
• Plan ahead, what you should know and have if you get Coronavirus. 
• If you are a person with Diabetes and do get coronavirus, here are some tips on what to do.