Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, and almost 24 percent of them don’t know it. Diabetes awareness, screening, and management is important year-round. In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month in November, here are a few things you can do:
- Learn more. Start with the resources we’ve shared below.
- Listen to & join the national conversation. Follow the American Diabetes Association‘s #EverydayReality campaign.
- Get screened. Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to get screened for diabetes. KAMU’s member clinics are ready to provide screening and related services, regardless of ability to pay.
For Health Care Professionals
Many challenges are faced by persons diagnosed with diabetes, including but not limited to access to and cost of healthier food options, cultural values, and safety of living environment and communities, to name a few examples. While there is not one solution to success or improvement, the following tools and resources are available to address diabetes management:
- Health Resources and Services Administration’s research: Disproportionately High Diabetes Mortality Rates in Rural America and Women, Diabetes, & Heart Problems: A Coming Pandemic?
- American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and the app available in Apple Store and Google Play
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s National Diabetes Statistics Report
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Mobile Applications for Self-Management of Diabetes
- National Institute of Health’s Diabetes Awareness Month Toolkit, which focuses on health after gestational diabetes
- KAMU member clinics can find additional resources in the Clinical & Quality Improvement section of the Member Center
For Patients
Did you know you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and being active? Learn more about prevention and management below.
- Find a primary care clinic in Kansas for a check-up and diabetes screening, regardless of your ability to pay.
- American Diabetes Association’s resources, which include Are You at Risk? assessment tools, an online support community, helpful food and fitness tips, and meal planning made easy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s Living with Diabetes resources