Diabetes Alert Day encourages community members to learn their risk and take action
Free online prevention programs available in English and Spanish
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:March 24, 2026
LAS VEGAS – In recognition of Diabetes Alert Day on March 24, 2026, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging community members to learn their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and take steps to protect their health.
Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day raises awareness about diabetes risk and the importance of early detection. Many people with prediabetes have no symptoms, yet the condition significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke if it is not addressed early.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 million Americans are living with diabetes and millions more have prediabetes but may not know it. In Clark County, 12.8% of adults, about 238,000 people, are living with diabetes, and statewide an estimated 304,000 or 11.9% Nevada adults have been diagnosed with the condition. The American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 816,000 Nevada adults (1 in 3) are living with prediabetes, placing them at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if the condition is not identified and addressed. Early screening and lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity, improving nutrition and losing a small amount of weight, if needed, can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
To help Southern Nevadans reduce their risk, the Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers free online diabetes prevention education. The Walking Together: Preventing Diabetes program includes four interactive modules that provide practical information on healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle strategies to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
The program is available online in both English and Spanish:
- English: Walking Together: Preventing Diabetes at Get Healthy Clark County
- Spanish: Caminando Juntos: Prevención de la Diabetes at Viva Saludable
vivasaludable.org/dp
These self-paced online programs allow participants to complete modules at their convenience while learning how to improve their health and lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes Alert Day encourages people to take a moment to learn their risk and take action,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Programs like Walking Together: Preventing Diabetes give community members practical tools and support to make healthier choices that can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.”
Community members are also encouraged to take the quick Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test to learn whether they may be at risk for diabetes. Early awareness can help individuals work with health care providers to make lifestyle changes that reduce their risk and improve overall health.
For additional information about diabetes prevention programs and resources in Southern Nevada, visit GetHealthyClarkCounty.org or VivaSaludable.org.
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.