November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. The Wyoming Department of Health wants families to learn more about prediabetes, the warning signs of diabetes and controlling diabetes to help avoid serious and costly health complications.
According to 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System estimates, Wyoming has about 39,000 adults living with diabetes. An additional 35,000 residents have been told they have prediabetes, a condition in which higher than normal blood glucose levels may lead to type 2 diabetes. State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist says many more residents may have either diabetes or prediabetes without realizing it. “Cowboy Up to Prevent” is a new campaign offered by the Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program which offers free prediabetes awareness materials for healthcare professionals and funding for organizations interested in evidence-based diabetes and hypertension prevention and self‐management programs. Designed for adults, the programs help people gain the confidence and motivation they need to take care of their health, as well as learn new skills to prevent diabetes or better manage their chronic health conditions. Programs are offered around the state in either community and/or medical settings.
