Know your risk: Diabetes can go undetected

Health District urges screening and prevention during American Diabetes Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:November 9, 2026

LAS VEGAS —More than 11 million Americans are living with diabetes without knowing it, putting them at risk for serious health complications. In Clark County, approximately one in eight adults had diabetes in 2023, representing an estimated 238,000 people. During American Diabetes Month in November, the Southern Nevada Health District is encouraging community members to understand their risk, get screened and take steps to prevent or delay complications from diabetes.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations and blindness among adults. People with diabetes also face a greater risk of serious complications from influenza and COVID-19. The Health District offers a free online diabetes risk assessment and no-cost diabetes self-management classes to help community members better understand their risk and manage the disease.

“Diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms, which means people may not realize they have the disease until complications occur,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “Knowing your risk and getting screened can help identify diabetes early, when there are more opportunities to manage the disease and protect your long-term health.”

Statewide, 11.9% of adults, or about 304,000 Nevadans, were diagnosed with the disease in 2023. Nationwide, more than 40.1 million Americans have diabetes, and an estimated 1.5 million Americans 18 and older are newly diagnosed each year.

Diabetes is not the only concern. About 200,000 adults in Clark County had prediabetes as of 2023. Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. It increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Food insecurity can further complicate diabetes prevention. Adults who experience food insecurity are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, in part because limited food budgets can make it difficult to consistently access nutritious foods.

Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and regular physical activity, can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and play an important role in managing the condition. With appropriate care and sustained lifestyle changes, some people with type 2 diabetes can also achieve remission. Screening can help identify prediabetes and diabetes early.

Who should get screened?

The Health District and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend diabetes or prediabetes screening for:

Adults 35 or older.
Adults who are overweight or have obesity.
People with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity or a history of gestational diabetes.
People in racial and ethnic groups at higher risk, including African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian American and Pacific Islander populations.

Community members also can take the Health District’s six-question online diabetes risk test for an immediate assessment of their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The test is available at Diabetes Risk Test.

Anyone who may be at risk should consult a healthcare provider about screening. A list of low-cost clinics offering diabetes testing and treatment is available at Low-Cost Clinics.

Local resources and programs

The Health District offers no-cost diabetes self-management classes online and in person through its Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Led by trained health educators, the classes help participants learn practical strategies for managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. The classes are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

English-language classes are scheduled for November 17 and 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Fremont Public Health Center, 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104. To register, call (702) 759-1270 or complete the online Diabetes Self-Management Interest form.

For additional diabetes classes, prevention programs and local resources, visit Get Healthy Clark County | Local Diabetes Resources or Viva Saludable | Recursos locales para la diabetes. Upcoming events are listed on the Get Healthy Clark County Community Calendar and Viva Saludable Community Calendar.

For more information about American Diabetes Month, visit the American Diabetes Association website.

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.