Weld County observes American Diabetes Month by promoting prevention
Published on November 15, 2023
November marks American Diabetes Month, a time for raising awareness about the prevalence and prevention of diabetes. According to the latest findings from the 2022 Weld Community Health Survey, more than 11% of adults in Weld County, approximately 25,000 individuals, have been diagnosed with diabetes. State data reveals that healthcare expenditures for people with diabetes are 2.3 times higher than those without, and diabetes ranks as the eighth leading cause of death in Colorado.
Earlier this year, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment launched a pilot Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), the Heart of Weld, aimed at preventing and managing the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the community.
Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes, occurs when the body struggles to use insulin effectively, resulting in increased levels of sugar in the bloodstream. If left unaddressed, this condition can lead to severe health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, vision impairment, kidney failure, and extremity amputations.
Prediabetes, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, affects one in three American adults, and most do not even know they have it. If left untreated, people with prediabetes can develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years.
The Heart of Weld DPP plans to launch new sessions starting in 2024. These groups will meet for a full year – weekly for the first 6 months, then once or twice a month for the second 6 months to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. Led by a trained lifestyle coach, participants will learn practical strategies for healthy eating, integrating physical activity into their routines, stress management techniques, and effective problem-solving approaches.
Individuals concerned about their diabetes risk are urged to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment. For more information or to enroll in the program, please visit www.weld.gov/go/DiabetesPrevention.