One in nine Arizonans have diabetes and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are more than 29 million people with diabetes in the United States. The disease affects men and women, people young and old, and people of all races, shapes, and sizes. We have programs that foster awareness and education while breaking down stereotypes, myths, and misunderstandings about this growing public health crisis.
Our Diabetes Program has been addressing diabetes by partnering with non–profit organizations, local health departments, and various health systems to increase awareness, promote the utilization of Diabetes Self-Management Education program. We are expanding self-management programs in rural areas of the state where the prevalence of diabetes is higher. The CDC reported that Arizona was ranked the best in the nation for Diabetes Self-Management Education participation by Arizona residents from 2012 to 2014.
Our Diabetes Program has also implemented other strategies to address diabetes such as funding team-based care projects in several Federally Qualified Community Health Centers across the state. Another strategy is a mobile text messaging project in several clinics that have the capacity to target patients with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. For more resources, please visit the American Diabetes Association website.
