American Diabetes Alert Day is March 28
Health District calls attention to seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 16, 2023
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) will spotlight American Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday, March 28, to call attention to one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Alert Day focuses on the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. and the primary cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and blindness.
More than 37 million Americans have diabetes. This includes approximately 254,000 people in Nevada. It’s estimated that an additional 70,000 people have the disease, but don’t know it, thus increasing their health risks. Approximately 21,000 people in the Silver State are diagnosed with the disease each year.
Throughout the year, SNHD’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers free diabetes self-management, education, and support classes. Classes are taught in English and Spanish and are available in person or online. Upcoming classes are scheduled for March 30, and April 6, from 2 – 4 p.m. at SNHD’s main public health center at 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Classes in Spanish are scheduled for March 20 and 27, from 10 a.m. – noon; and March 22 and 29, from 2 – 4 p.m. To register, call (702) 759-1270 or email gethealthy@snhd.org. Fill out the diabetes self-management workshop form to be placed on a waiting list for future diabetes workshops.
Other programs and resources are free — available in English and Spanish — and accessible on the Get Healthy Clark County and Viva Saludable websites or by calling (702) 759-1270. The Nevada Diabetes Directory, which provides information about classes, prevention, low-cost clinics, specialists, and support groups is available in English and Spanish on the Get Healthy Clark County web site. The ADA website also provides information about diabetes education programs.
Nationally, an estimated 96 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, up from 88 million in 2019. About one in three Nevada adults has prediabetes with blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. The Health District’s Road to Diabetes Prevention program includes resources for people with prediabetes or who are at risk for diabetes. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a Prediabetes Risk Test and the American Diabetes Association has a Diabetes Risk Assessment Test for individuals to assess their personal risk.
The ADA recently extended its certification of SNHD’s diabetes education program through 2027. The certification signifies that the agency’s programs adhere to the ADA’s national standards for diabetes self-management education and support. The ADA recognized SNHD for its “commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based education and support for people with diabetes.”
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.