Nevada Diabetes Alert Day, March 25
NDC’s Southern Nevada members to attend Carson City events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 24, 2009
LAS VEGAS – The Nevada Diabetes Council (NDC) will be well represented at the 19th annual Diabetes Alert Day at the Nevada State Legislature to provide information and education to residents, lawmakers and health care professionals. Several representatives from Southern Nevada will participate to highlight the prevalence and costs of the disease in the state.
The Nevada Diabetes Council (NDC), founded in 1997, is a statewide partnership of individuals, local community organizations, state/local health districts and national organizations that seeks to improve the lives of those with diabetes and to reduce the occurrence of the disease in Nevada. Members work together to educate communities statewide about risk factors, prevention and management of the disease.
In Nevada, the costs associated with diabetes health care and related treatment are estimated to be approximately $167 million annually. More than 217,000 Nevadans are currently living with the disease. Approximately 10-15 percent of children and teens are overweight, which increases the number of children with Type 2 diabetes related to excess weight gain and a decrease in activity levels. High blood pressure rates for diabetic adults in Nevada are 66.5 percent, which is almost triple the rate of those who do not have the disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of end-stage renal disease in Nevada.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and is generally seen in adults, although it is diagnosed in children as well. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, it is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. In addition, older Americans have an elevated risk of developing the disease. Early detection of the disease allows patients to manage the disease and prevent complications.
For more information about diabetes, visit the Southern Nevada Health District’s website, www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org, Washoe County Health District, www.gethealthywashoe.com, or the Nevada Diabetes Council site at the Nevada State Health Division www.health.nv.gov.
Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.