Kansas Officials Launch Diabetes Prevention, Management Initiative

Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 16 Jul 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Diabetes Advisory Council officials on Friday launched a statewide diabetes prevention and management program, the Wichita Eagle reports. Under the five-year plan, state officials aim to raise awareness about diabetes management and prevention; promote information about standards of care for the disease within the state's health care services; develop ways to help organizations address diabetes management and prevention; improve individuals' access to self-management programs, services and information; and lead initiatives to encourage policymakers to implement diabetes prevention, detection and care plans statewide. The plan also includes outreach to minority communities (Woods, Wichita Eagle, 7/12).

Kate Watson, director of the diabetes program at the health and environment department, said, "In 2007, the direct and indirect costs of diabetes in Kansas were $1.5 billion. It's frightening." Watson said, "Obesity is the main risk factor for (type 2) diabetes," adding, "In Kansas, 60% of the population is overweight or obese, which translates into 60% at risk of developing diabetes. That offers a crystal clear picture of why this is a health crisis" (Kansas Health Institute News, 7/10).

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