Diabetes Prevention
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Southern Seven Health Department in partnership with Jackson County Health Department and SIU School of Medicine are Working Together to Prevent and Address Diabetes in Southern Illinois. The percentage of adults with diabetes in the seven counties is 10.4% (According to the CDC – 2016), which is well above the average for the state of Illinois at 9.5% (CDC 2016). The number one risk factor for Type II Diabetes is obesity. According to the most recent data through the CDC, our 7 counties have an average obesity rate of 29%.
This grant and programming will assist in promoting National Diabetes Awareness Month in November and Diabetes Alert Day in March each year. Southern Seven has established a Diabetes Resource Team and updated the Diabetes Resource Guide developed through the Jackson County Diabetes group for Southern Illinois to include the seven-county region. The grant will also provide free glucose screening in some locations as well as provide Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) classes. The DSMP through Stanford University is a six week one time weekly program which meets for 2 ½ hours to learn more about the self-management of this chronic disease. A workbook and a relaxation CD will be provided to participants. Southern Seven staff has trained staff to provide these classes as well as other classes in the region.
Making lifestyle changes can help people reduce their risk of being diagnosed with chronic diabetes. Other ways include making lifestyle changes that consists of healthier choices such as becoming more physically active, eating healthier and quitting smoking.
