November 1, 2011 |
|
State Health Department Encourages Diabetes Prevention, AwarenessNovember is American Diabetes MonthCHICAGO – November is American Diabetes Month, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging residents to make lifestyle changes like becoming physically active, eating healthier and quitting smoking to reduce the risk of being diagnosed with the chronic but manageable disease. Nearly 26 million Americans are living with diabetes, a disease that can lead to serious complications like heart attack, stroke, amputation, blindness and kidney failure if left untreated or improperly managed. Another 79 million are at risk for developing Type-2, or adult onset diabetes. In Illinois, more than 8 percent of the adult population has been diagnosed with the disease. “We must continue to raise awareness in Illinois of the importance of having a healthy, active lifestyle in reducing the risk of developing diabetes,” said Acting IDPH Director Dr. Craig Conover. “By improving lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, physical activity and not smoking, we can reduce the health and economic burden of diabetes.” According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
The signs of diabetes are frequent thirst, constant urination, unusual hunger, rapid weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Risk factors for developing diabetes include obesity, family history of diabetes, being a member of certain racial ethnic groups (higher risk among African American, Latinos and Native Americans), and physical inactivity. Two keys to reducing the risk of diabetes are eating healthy and regular exercise. For more information log onto the Illinois Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at: http://www.idph.state.il.us/diabetes/index.htm For more information on the Illinois Department of Public Health, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/IDPH.Illinois or follow us on Twitter @IDPH. |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |