Small Steps to Prevent Diabetes

This November we're wearing blue to bring awareness to the high prevalence of diabetes in Ohio. Over 2 million Ohio adults have been diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes, and it's estimated that another 2.9 million Ohio adults have undiagnosed prediabetes.

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness of the disease that affects nearly one out of every eight Ohioans, or 13.1%, and 12.5% nationwide. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body can't regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels properly. It raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. It's also linked to some types of cancer and doubles the risk of developing dementia.

"The prevalence of diabetes in Ohio is concerning," said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). "But Ohioans should take comfort in knowing that simple steps can help prevent or reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes that is most responsive to lifestyle changes."

Types of Diabetes

There are several types of diabetes, including:

• Type 1 diabetes, a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Type 2 diabetes, which happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't make enough. This is linked to lifestyle and can be managed through diet, exercise, and working with your healthcare provider.
• Prediabetes, which occurs when blood sugar levels are high but they're not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes, which is first diagnosed during pregnancy. It can put you at increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life, so it's important to incorporate healthy habits into every stage of life. Our Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) team can help eligible Ohioans gain access to healthy foods and resources to help manage gestational diabetes. Find out if you're eligible for WIC on the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) website.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any diet or exercise program. Below are some healthy steps to include in your lifestyle. You don't have to make all these changes at once. Pick a few to start with and add more over time.

• Add more veggies into your diet.
• Get outside for a 30-minute walk every day.
• Find ways to manage or reduce stress.
• Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep each night.
• Quit smoking. Call 1-800-QUITNOW for help.
• Maintain a healthy weight for your body.
• Take medicine as prescribed.

How Can ODH Help You?

Our team helps Ohioans prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes among adults with prediabetes and improve self-care practices, quality of care, and early detection of complications among people with diabetes. Learn more about our program on the ODH Diabetes webpage.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a structured lifestyle-change program for patients at risk for diabetes. The program helps participants make sustainable healthy behavior changes and achieve weight loss. Find a DPP in Ohio on the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) Locator Map.

Additionally, Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programs are available to provide tools, skills, and confidence to manage diabetes. Find a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Program to get started.

ODH's WIC and Early Childhood Health programs also work to prevent the onset of childhood obesity (a contributing factor to the development of diabetes) through nutrition education and supplemental, nutritious foods. In addition, the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics offers nutrition education through its Parenting at Mealtime and Playtime Program.

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