National Diabetes Month in Newton County, Georgia

 

National Diabetes Month - November 2022

Newton Family Connection

By Sarah Grant, MPH, CHES®, CDCES Chronic Disease Program Manager,
&
Blair Woodall

Chronic Disease Prevention Intern GNR Public Health

What comes to mind when you hear the term “Diabetes Management”?

    One may imagine a doctor prescribing a medication to treat someone with diabetes. While this is part of the management of diabetes, I want to suggest to you that “It Takes a Team”, which is the theme for this year’s National Diabetes Month. It’s true; a primary care provider (physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner) may counsel and monitor the patient, and prescribe medications. In addition to primary care, the diabetes care team should also include a podiatrist (foot doctor), an ophthalmologist/optometrist (eye doctor), a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or dietitian, pharmacist, and sometimes, an endocrinologist (a specialist for diabetes and other endocrine conditions).

Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.

Blood sugar levels get too high and stay elevated for a long time.

    At the center of the diabetes care team is the person with diabetes (PWD). They should have the knowledge and agency to work with their care team to make decisions that are best for them. Managing diabetes is easier when the person with diabetes has the financial and other resources needed to help them succeed at their health goals. People with diabetes are encouraged to eat more healthy foods–such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, heart-healthy fats–and reduce added sugar, salt, and saturated fat in their eating plan. However, for some people, achieving this may depend on their income, transportation challenges, and presence of healthy options in their area. PWD are reminded to keep regular medical appointments, but this may depend on their health insurance status and availability of providers in their area. Access to certain medications may be affected by cost, insurance coverage, or even US residency status.

What is World Diabetes Day?

    World Diabetes Day became an official United was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by Nations Day in 2006. It is marked every year on, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. The campaign is represented by a blue circle logo that was adopted in 2007 after the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. The blue circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic. Every year, the World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on a dedicated theme that runs for one or more years. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is “Access to Diabetes Care”.

Where can we go from here?

    Let’s have a team huddle. As leaders of community organizations, people of influence, or even family and friends of people with diabetes, how can we join the team? PWD need your encouragement, your advocacy, and your referrals as we continue to make comprehensive diabetes management a reality for all demographics within Newton County.

To the person with diabetes, here are some basic reminders:

• Manage your A1C, blood pressure & cholesterol levels.
• Seek additional support for your specific needs.
• Make physical activity part of your routine.
• Follow a diabetes meal plan.
• Stay on top of your vaccines.

    The Newton County Health Department offers blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings for $5! We also provide adult and child immunizations. Contact us to sign up for free general nutrition classes, as well as programs to manage diabetes and high blood pressure (flyers below). We also sponsor free in-person and virtual fitness classes! Find out more at https://www.gnrhealth.com/services/community-health/. Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, as well as Medcura Health (Rockdale County), provides affordable primary care based on income. Medcura Health also has dental care, podiatry, and vision services. Some of these classes and services may be available by computer or phone. Visit www.newtoncan.org for a vast database of resources, including a list of food pantries, such as Covington First United Methodist Church and Manna Food Pantry. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has compiled information on financial help for diabetes care here: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/financial-help-diabetes-care.

    These members of the diabetes care team are working together to improve access to diabetes care for those who need it most. For those who can’t make it to the classes sponsored by the health department, IDF has resources available in English and Spanish at https://www.understandingdiabetes.org/, both for individuals personally impacted by diabetes, as well as health educators.

    By actively pursuing diabetes education, each person can advocate and champion for the care of themselves and others. It is in your best interest to cherish this day and reflect on the best steps for you moving forward. Please take advantage of these educational materials, pass them on to your neighbors, and take care of yourself. We all know the world could use a little love.

References

1. https://worlddiabetesday.org/about/

2. https://worlddiabetesday.org/about/understandingdiabetes/