The Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program has a long-standing history of excellence within the Green River District Health Department and is considered a model program. This program has been a mainstay within Green River District for over 30 years and continues to provide services including: patient education classes, continuing education for professionals, awareness programs, data collection, involvement in state level activities, coalition building at both the state and local level and more.
Diabetes is an epidemic!
Over 424,670 (12.5% or 1 in 8) adult Kentuckians have diabetes, with another 138,000 Kentuckians living with undiagnosed diabetes!
Based on CDC estimates, as many as 1 in 3 Kentucky adults (1.1 million) have “pre-diabetes”: but only 8.6% (248,218) report having been diagnosed with “pre-diabetes”. Pre-diabetes is a major risk factor for diabetes, heart attack and stroke!
Kentucky has the 12th highest diabetes mortality (death) rate in the nation. In Kentucky, diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death by disease overall.
Many people do not have ANY signs or symptoms of diabetes! Possible signs or symptoms to look for: very thirsty, very hungry, having to urinate a lot, more tired than usual, dry, itchy skin, blurred vision or sores that will not heal.
Diabetes related links:
- Risk Factors for Diabetes
- CDC Diabetes Page
- American Diabetes Association
- NIDDK
- KY Diabetes Prevention Control Program
Contact Information
For more information contact the Green River District Health Department Kentucky Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at 270-852-5561.
Diabetes is a silent disease. You can have it for years and not know it. During this time, harm can come to your eyes, nerves, and kidneys without you even knowing it.
Your risk for Diabetes goes up with getting older, gaining too much weight, or if you do not stay active. Diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Risk factors for diabetes include:
- Having high blood pressure (at or above 130/80).
- Having a family history of Diabetes.
- Having diabetes during pregnancy or having a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth.
Don’t Wait for Signs
Most people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider right away:
- Being very thirsty
- Urinating often
- Losing weight without trying
Are You at Risk? Take this Test. Know Your Score.
- (1 point) I am a woman who has had a baby weighing more than nine pounds at birth
- (1 point) I have a sister or brother with Diabetes
- (1 point) I have a parent with Diabetes
- (5 points) My weight is equal to or above that listed in the chart
- (5 points) I am under 65 years of age and I get little or no exercise
- (5 points) I am between 45 and 65 years of age
- (9 points) I am 65 years of age or older
If you Scored 10 or More Points:
You are at high risk for having diabetes. Only your health care provider can determine if you have Diabetes. At your next office visit, find out for sure.
If you scored 3-9 Points:
You are probably at low risk for having Diabetes now. But don’t just forget about it. Keep your risk low by losing weight if you are overweight, being active most days, and eating low fat meals that are high in fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods.
The Diabetes 101, A Self-Guided Approach to Understanding Diabetes e-Learning module provides basic information on diabetes for those who are newly diagnosed or have not ever attended a diabetes education class since receiving their diagnosis. The module is self-paced and has 2 learning options. Please contact the Diabetes Education Program at 270-852-5561 for more information and options for further class opportunities. Please feel free to send comments or issues with the module to merritt.bates-thomas@grdhd.
Diabetes 101, A Self-Guided Approach to Understanding Diabetes
http://training.chfs.ky.gov/