Awareness + action = diabetes prevention
SANTA FE – November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects 254,000 New Mexico residents.
More New Mexicans are at risk: nearly 1 in 5 adults in the state are pre-diabetic. Pre-diabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes – accounting for 90-95 percent of diagnosed cases. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes is largely preventable.
“Type 2 diabetes can happen at any age – and the best way to avoid it is understanding your risk and taking the steps to reduce your chances of becoming diabetic,” said Lindsey Goodhue, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health Section director for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH).
Risk factors for diabetes include:
- Family health history of diabetes.
- Being 45 and over.
- Being overweight.
- Being physically active less than three days a week.
Anyone with risk factors should talk to a medical provider and get screened to prevent, delay or manage their diabetes.
You can also decrease your chances of being pre-diabetic or diabetic by:
- A healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Drinking water as your primary beverage.
- Quitting smoking.
- Losing excess weight.
NMDOH offers free programs to help New Mexicans prevent or control type 2 diabetes. Visit PathstoHealthNM.org for class and enrollment information. On the website, you’ll also find a link to a 60-second test from the American Diabetes Association to determine your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For more information, you can also call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.