Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States? In fact, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about twice that of people of similar age who do not have diabetes.
The CDC also estimates that more than 30 million people nationally have diabetes, but 1 in 4 don’t even know it. Over the past 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled as our population has aged and become more overweight or obese. Locally, ten percent of adults over the age of 20 in Clark County, Nevada, live with the realities of diabetes every day.
But here’s the good news: If you’re living with diabetes, The Southern Nevada Health District offers a variety of FREE apps and resources to help you manage your condition, and achieve your healthy lifestyle goals while preventing costly health complications like blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke.
10 Ways To Manage Diabetes
- Know your ABCs: A1c, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol. Get annual check-ups and make sure to get your eyes and feet checked for problems.
- Cook at home. You can find healthy recipes here or at DiabetesFoodhub.org.
- Eat well. Enjoy less processed foods and snacks and more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins like fish, grilled or baked chicken, turkey, tofu and beef.
- Review medications. Ask a pharmacist to review your list of medications and talk with your doctor* about an affordable prescription if necessary. You can find help with medication resources in the Diabetes Resource Directory.
- Take a class. Learn how to eat better and get moving to reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke or diabetes-related complications. The Southern Nevada Health District offers free, small group diabetes self-management classes! These convenient, interactive workshops are offered throughout the year and provide you with information and support you need to better manage your diabetes. Add your name to the interest list and we will notify you when we schedule our next free diabetes self-management class. You can also find a list of other diabetes classes here.
- Join a diabetes support group. You can find local support groups in the Diabetes Resource Directory.
- Get tested. Know your blood sugar numbers and test results. Ask your doctor what is normal for you.
- Eat smaller portions. Use smaller plates at home, or box up half your meal or split an entrée when eating out.
- Sip smarter. Drink more water and less sugar-sweetened drinks. Try these delicious flavored water recipes!
- Quit using tobacco products. Smoking and using tobacco products increase your risk of serious health problems associated with diabetes. For help quitting smoking, call 1-800-QUITNOW.
*If you don’t have a doctor or healthcare provider, find free and low-cost clinics, or contact us at 702-759-1270 or gethealthy@snhd.org.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.