Counties around Central Florida aim to provide resources for Diabetes Awareness Month
The Florida Department of Health in both Seminole and Marion county recognize November as National Diabetes Awareness Month.
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National Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every year to raise awareness and to combat the disease as a critical health issue.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that diabetes is the nation’s seventh leading cause of death and that it may be underreported.
The CDC estimates that 20% of American adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.
Both counties have their own programs and services that help people with diabetes.
Read more about what each county is doing below:
Marion
Marion County is offering classes through DOH-Marion’s Diabetes Empowerment and Education Program, a six-week series that helps participants better understand their condition and self-care.
The next class is scheduled for early 2023.
Check out their website for more information about this program.
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Seminole
Seminole County is offering the following programs and services for individuals who are prediabetic or diabetic:
The Healthy Living Program is a four weeklong lifestyle change program designed to help people who have prediabetes reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
The HLP emphasizes lifestyle change through healthy eating and physical activity.
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This program is delivered in person and through qualifying at-home visits.
Diabetes Self-Management Education, for individuals that have been diagnosed with diabetes.
The DSME program consists of eight sessions of individualized instruction, either by phone, online or in person.
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Topics include healthy eating, physical activity, monitoring blood sugar, taking medication, problem-solving, healthy coping and reducing risks.
In addition, for the month of November the DSME program will be conducting free diabetes screenings at the main DOH-Seminole location on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m.
The DSME program will also provide diabetes supplies for low-income individuals.
For more information about diabetes screenings and supplies, or if you are interested in registering for the HLP or DSME program, visit the Florida Department of Health website.
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