CHICAGO, IL – November 9, 2023 – Near North Health (NNH), one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago, is highlighting National Diabetes Month with a series of educational programs to raise awareness of the disease and its risk factors. 

Diabetes affects 11.3% of the U.S. population, yet one in five people don’t know they have it. Additional information is available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

“Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that can have a devastating impact on people’s lives,” said Anna Anderson, Director of Nutrition Services at NNH. “But it’s important to remember that there are many things people can do to manage their risk and live healthy lives.”

NNH Activities for November During National Diabetes Month

Among the programs NNH is offering this month is a session 0 for its Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The DPP is a CDC-approved program that helps people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk.

“The DPP is a free, year-long program that teaches people how to eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and manage stress,” said Anderson. “We have both in-person and virtual classes available, and we offer the program in English and Spanish.”

Another program NNH is offering this month is an event on World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated on November 14th. The event will feature speakers from NNH and other health care organizations who will discuss the latest research on diabetes and prevention.

“We want to use this month to educate people about diabetes and its risks, and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to manage their health,” said Anderson.

Signs and dangers of diabetes

There are 3 different types of diabetes. Type 1 is when patients lack the insulin needed to maintain blood sugar levels. It can be developed at any age and is not curable. Type 2 is when a patient’s body does not respond normally to insulin, which is also called insulin resistance. Gestational Diabetes happens during pregnancy and may not present with symptoms. 

Symptoms of diabetes can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unintended weight loss, extreme hunger, blurry vision, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, extreme fatigue, slow healing sores, and increased amount of infections.

Diabetes can lead to other serious health problems, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), nerve damage, vision or hearing loss, and loss of limbs.

Who is at risk for diabetes?

Technically anyone is at risk for developing diabetes. But the CDC found certain groups are more at risk than others, including

• American Indians and Alaska Natives
• Non-Hispanic Black people
• People of Hispanic origin
• Adults with less than a high school education
• Adults with family income below the federal poverty level

Here are some tips on how to prevent diabetes

• Be active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Eat a healthy diet. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about losing weight safely.
• Join a diabetes prevention program. The DPP is a proven way to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that includes medication, diet, and exercise.

For more information about NNH’s diabetes education programs, please visit our website or call us at (312) 232-0200.

Near North Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and one of the oldest providers of community-based primary health care in Chicago. We provide medical services, social services, and nutrition education to uninsured and underinsured individuals and families. Our philosophy reflects a commitment to providing access to innovative healthcare no matter where one comes from, what they look like or how long it’s been since they last saw a doctor. Additional information about our mission and services is available at www.nearnorthhealth.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Lisa Ripson

Ripson Group

Lisa.ripson@ripsongroup.com

(312) 493-5921 (o)

(312) 952-7394 (m)

Twitter: @LisaRipson

Chris Comes

Ripson Group

Chris.comes@ripsongroup.com

(312) 493-5921 (o)

(312) 282-0539 (m)

Twitter: @ChrisComes