BCHC Receives $24,000 to Strengthen Diabetic Education Program
By: Aprill Murphy
ALBION, Nebraska (November 11, 2024) – Boone County Health Center (BCHC) has been awarded a $24,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Program. This grant aims to enhance BCHC’s Diabetic Education Program by improving referral rates, participation, and retention, while focusing on identifying and supporting disparate populations. By screening for social determinants of health, BCHC hopes to reduce health disparities and expand access to diabetes education and management. This grant is active through June 2025.
November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to highlight progress in diabetes research, promote awareness, and support those impacted by the condition. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 37 million Americans are affected by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, with approximately 1.2 million new cases diagnosed each year. An additional 37 million adults have prediabetes, which, if left unmanaged, can develop into type 2 diabetes. Diabetes remains the 8th leading cause of death in the United States, incurring an estimated $412.9 billion in healthcare costs annually.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body struggles to regulate blood sugar (glucose), which is a key source of energy. Those with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar, or their bodies cannot effectively use it. Elevated blood sugar levels over time can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, and blindness. Insulin, discovered in the 1920s, revolutionized treatment, transforming diabetes from a life-threatening disease to one that can be managed with proper care.
Awareness and education about diabetes are essential. Understanding diabetes, its impact on the body, and ways to prevent or manage it can make a significant difference. Simple lifestyle changes, like a balanced diet and regular exercise, are effective strategies to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A robust support system also plays a vital role in helping individuals manage their condition and connect with others facing similar challenges. Ongoing research aims to develop new treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
To support diabetes awareness, individuals can join World Diabetes Day on November 14 by wearing blue. For more information on BCHC’s Diabetic Education Program, contact Boone County Health Center.
Diabetic Education Program Team-Stephanie Scott, RD; Cindy Lesiak, RN & VP of Patient Services; Tracy Beckman, RN, Gayla Oakley, RN & Cardiac Rehab Director, Jaimie Beister, RN