by Karen Newton, WVU Extension Service Dining with Diabetes Coordinator

For many West Virginia residents, diabetes is a way of life— either for themselves, family members, neighbors or friends. And their numbers are escalating. But the deadly, costly trend can be changed.

Diabetes does not have to be your fate. You and your family can be part of West Virginia’s change . . . each day.

First, the sobering news

Diabetes may be common. But it is serious. Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes is about twice that of people who are of a similar age but do not have diabetes.

Think about the active lifestyle you—and your family—want to have as you consider these sobering statistics:

• West Virginians are subject to the many complications of diabetes— including kidney failure, lower limb amputations and adult blindness.
• Diabetes affects 25.8 million people, 8.3 percent of the United States population. A total 18.8 million people have been diagnosed. However, 7.0 million have the disease but have not yet been diagnosed.
• In West Virginia, diabetes has escalated to epidemic proportions: 12.2 percent of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. Compare that to the nation’s 8.3 percent.
• According to 2008 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 of West Virginia’s 55 counties have obesity rates of 29.8 percent or more. In 20 of counties, the rate of adult physical inactivity is 31.2 percent.
• Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, diabetes family history, gestational diabetes history, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity, and race and ethnicity.

Now, the good news

Diabetes and its complications do not have to happen, report health educators with the West Virginia University Extension Service.

They say that statistics on this chronic disease should cause all West Virginians to examine how they take care of their bodies, what they eat, their level of physical activity and other lifestyle indicators.

When can you begin to become healthier? Now! Here’s how:

• Take the Wellness Challenge.
• Try Wellness Challenge Recipes.
• Try budget-friendly, healthy family recipes.
• Check out Dining with Diabetes cooking classes.
• Invite your family and friends—of all ages— to be part of Let’s Move.
• Learn more about diabetes.

Resources and Links

West Virginia Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
American Diabetes Association
National Diabetes Education Program

kn/fsm—11/8/2011