The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) has initiated a public service announcement campaign to encourage individuals with prediabetes to adopt healthier habits, aiming to prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The initiative urges the public to take the Prediabetes Risk Assessment and consult healthcare providers for further testing. For those with blood glucose levels in the prediabetes range, participating in lifestyle change programs such as the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is currently the seventh leading cause of death in Hawai‘i and remains a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in the United States. Complications from diabetes arise due to high blood glucose levels that damage small blood vessels and nerves. Although people with prediabetes do not yet have blood sugar levels indicative of diabetes, they are at elevated risk for developing it.
“We should be investing more in preventing diabetes than expanding dialysis capacity,” stated state Director of Health Dr. Kenneth Fink. “We unfortunately have significant health inequities with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders having higher rates of diabetes and progression to kidney failure. Increasing prevention efforts and improving disease management will help address this.”
Lola Irvin, DOH Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division administrator, added, “The good news about prediabetes is that having it doesn’t automatically mean that you will develop diabetes. Making lifestyle changes to lose weight, such as eating healthier and increasing physical activity, can prevent the development of diabetes and may also reverse prediabetes back into the normal blood glucose range.”
For those with prediabetes, losing just 5-7% of body weight can decrease their chance of developing diabetes by more than 50% for adults at high risk. However, making these lifestyle changes can be daunting. Enrolling in a lifestyle change program like Beat Diabetes Prevention Program offers an accessible first step towards building new healthy habits by joining a group setting led by a trained lifestyle coach.
“My role is to guide our participants through a certified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diabetes prevention program, providing support and encouragement as they go through their journey to a healthier lifestyle to prevent Type 2 diabetes,” explained Jen Valera, a master life coach with the Hawai‘i Primary Care Association.
Previous participants have noted positive life changes due to program participation and group support.
The Beat Diabetes campaign focuses on preventing diabetes during its prediabetic stage to avert serious complications later on. Running statewide until October 2024, it will include TV, radio, print, digital media campaigns along with social media and mall advertisements.
For more information or to take the Prediabetes Risk Test or sign up for the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program visit BeatDiabetes.hawaii.gov.