Stay healthy when you take advantage of type 2 diabetes screening, prevention, nutrition, and education.
The most current data estimates that over 34 million Americans, or 10% of the population, have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don’t know they have it! Approximately 1 in 9 Georgia adults has diabetes, and that is higher than the national average!1
Screening for type 2 diabetes is important.
When diabetes is left untreated, individuals are at increased risk of damage to organs such as the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet. The challenge is that people with diabetes often do not experience or recognize symptoms until the condition is severe. Aside from the costs of medical visits and hospitalization, managing complications, and medications, diabetes can also affect mental health, relationships, and one’s ability to work2.
But there is good news!
There are steps you can take today to reduce your risk of diabetes or live well with diabetes.
Learn your risk.
Get screened for type 2 diabetes at the Health Department for just $5. Learn your risk for acquiring diabetes so you can prevent or control diabetes and reduce your risk for diabetes complications.
Take an online type 2 diabetes screening quiz at CDC.
Reduce your risk.
We can help you make lifestyle changes that can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Learn about lifestyle changes in eating and physical activity that can help reduce your risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Participate in our Diabetes Prevention Program.
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes.
You are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes if:
- You have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- You have high blood pressure.
- You are overweight.
- You are over 45 years old.
- You have a history of gestational diabetes.
- You eat an unhealthy diet.
- You are of African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native descent.
If any of these apply to you, take charge of your health and get screened!
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
- Are very thirsty
- Lose weight without trying
- Are very hungry
- Have blurry vision
- Have numb or tingling hands or feet
- Feel very tired
- Have very dry skin
- Have sores that heal slowly
- Have more infections than usual
Source: CDC. www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html
We can help you learn how to stay healthy if you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, too.
We’ll help you learn ways to develop a well-balanced eating plan, participate in regular exercise, and become knowledgeable about diabetes treatment so you can better control your diabetes to help reduce your risk for complications or even death.
Learn more about Diabetes Nutrition and Education Classes.
What are you waiting for? Take action towards better health today.
Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments want to encourage you to take charge of your health. Get screened then get involved in the programs that the Health Departments have to offer to learn ways you can prevent or control type 2 diabetes. In addition to $5 diabetes screening, we sponsor or refer to ongoing community diabetes education classes, as well as the CDC-led Diabetes Prevention Program. We also sponsor eligible individuals interested in the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Management program, as well as SNAP-Ed nutrition classes.
If you want information on any of our programs, we are happy to speak with you. Call 770-339-4260. Ask for Community Health.
1 Americas Health Rankings. www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/Diabetes/state/GA
2 Diabetes.org. www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/cost-diabetes
