HHS Rallies Industry Leaders to Join National Diabetes Prevention Effort
Wednesday, February 12, 2003 New Data Shows Dramatic Rise; Underscores Need for Campaign
HHS Deputy Secretary Claude A. Allen today called on leaders of health and fitness, nonprofit, and business communities to join the first national diabetes prevention campaign of the federal government. Deputy Secretary Allen said that according to new data published by CDC last month, diabetes has risen more than 40 percent in just five years.
"Diabetes is taking an ever larger toll on our health and our economy," said Deputy Secretary Allen. "We now have scientific evidence, however, that diabetes can be prevented, and we need everyone involved in getting this message out."
"We are asking Americans to find out if they are at risk for diabetes, and we are showing them how to take action to prevent it," said Deputy Secretary Allen, speaking at a National Diabetes Education Program "Partners in Diabetes Prevention" meeting of business and industry leaders in Washington, D.C.
The new HHS campaign, "Small Steps, Big Rewards," emphasizes that relatively modest lifestyle changes can help people prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with more than 200 partners, is directing the campaign. It is based on the Diabetes Prevention Program clinical trial, sponsored by NIH, which showed that millions of overweight Americans at high risk for type 2 diabetes can delay and possibly prevent the disease by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight with moderate changes in diet and exercise.
"You don't have to knock yourself out to prevent diabetes. Diabetes prevention is something ordinary Americans can do, with small steps," said Dr. James R. Gavin III, chair of the NDEP. "We know there's a big reward - a longer, healthier life."
This week, campaign materials, including health care provider "tool kits," consumer materials, and public service announcements are being distributed. Free materials can be obtained on NDEP's web site, including the "Am I At Risk for type 2 Diabetes?" booklet.
Diabetes risk factors include:
- Age: risk increases with age
- Overweight: BMI (body mass index) 25 or higher (23 or higher if Asian American, 26 or higher if Pacific Islander)
- Blood pressure: 140/90 mm/Hg or higher
- Cholesterol: Abnormal lipid levels - HDL cholesterol less than 40mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women; triglyceride level 250 mg/dL or higher
- Family history of diabetes: having a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
- Ethnicity: African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino heritage
- History of Gestational diabetes: or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
- Inactive lifestyle: exercises fewer than three times a week
Everyone over age 45 should consult with their health care provider about testing for pre-diabetes or diabetes. Those 45 years of age and older who are overweight are strongly recommended for testing. Those who are younger than 45, overweight, and who have one or more of the other risk factors could be at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and should also consult their health care provider about testing.
For more information on the new "Small Steps, Big Rewards" prevention campaign and materials for preventing diabetes, call 1-800-438-5383 or visit www.ndep.nih.gov
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Contact: NIDDK Press Office
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Page last updated: April 17, 2008
